The wait is finally over for the Los Angeles Lakers fans. After four straight losses and mounting frustration, the Lakers finally got back in the win column with a commanding 107-96 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Sunday, March 16. With LeBron James still sidelined, the pressure was on for the Lakers to turn things around, and they did just that—thanks in large part to Luka Dončić.
The five-time NBA All-Star returned after missing Friday’s (March 14) game against the Denver Nuggets and wasted no time reminding everyone why he’s one of the best in the league. But beyond the win, something else stood out—his growing relationship with head coach JJ Redick.
Luka Dončić Opens Up About His Bond With JJ Redick
Luka missed the matchup against the Nuggets due to “left calf injury management” and a right ankle sprain, but he returned to the lineup against the Suns and made an immediate impact. He dropped 33 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists, and two steals. The Lakers, who had been reeling from their losing streak, finally found some much-needed stability with Luka back on the floor.
When asked postgame about his relationship with head coach Redick, Dončić didn’t need many words to make his feelings clear.
“Amazing, amazing. We talk a lot even when there’s no games. So far, it’s amazing with him,” Dončić said.
“Amazing… amazing. We talk a lot, even when there’s no games. So far it’s amazing with him”
– Luka on playing for JJ Redick
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) March 16, 2025
The chemistry between the two appears to be strong, and it’s showing in Luka’s numbers—he’s averaging 27.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, 7.9 assists, and 1.9 steals per game.
JJ Redick Has Luka Dončić’s Back
The chemistry between Redick and Dončić is evident and the Lakers’ head coach seems to back his star players in all situations. Recently, he has been vocal about how the Slovenian superstar is being treated by the officials.
After Thursday, March 13, 126-106 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks—where Dončić exploded for a season-high 45 points on 51.9% shooting—Redick didn’t hold back on his thoughts regarding the officiating. Despite Luka’s dominance, he turned the ball over six times, and Redick believes the referees deserve some of the blame.
“I think Luka looked very comfortable regardless of the coverage they gave him,” Redick said. A couple of those turnovers, when they blitzed him, weren’t necessarily his fault, to be honest with you.
“Again, it goes back to some execution things and playing lineups we haven’t played. And some of the turnovers were … I think he gets a tough whistle … that’s a fact.”
JJ: "We didn't execute at a high level. When you're missing guys, you have to play hard, but you also have to execute." pic.twitter.com/Vw57oDxT8q
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) March 14, 2025
Dončić went to the free-throw line 12 times in the game, but Redick’s comments suggest that he should be getting even more calls. It’s clear that the Lakers’ head coach is standing by his star, making sure he gets the respect he deserves on the court.
With the playoffs approaching, having a coach who has his back could be a big confidence booster for Dončić. The Lakers are currently 42-25, holding the fourth seed in the Western Conference. After beating the Suns, the Lakers also took down the San Antonio Spurs in a 125-109 victory.
Finding their rhythm again at this crucial point in the season is a promising sign for the LA squad. As the postseason nears, the growing connection between Dončić and Redick will undoubtedly be a crucial factor in their championship push.