Copyright Lake Show Life
NBA referees are used to hearing Luka Doncic light them up with his thoughts about their officiating on a nightly basis. That usually results in the Los Angeles Lakers superstar racking up his fair share of technical fouls. Through 10 games, JJ Redick has managed to help contain that issue. Granted, Doncic has only appeared in six of those 10 games. It's not like Luka is avoiding his usual conversations with the referees. The superstar point guard has his opinions, and is unafraid of sharing them. Doncic just has not needed to cross the line yet, and his head coach is a big reason for that. Not only is Redick willing to be the guy who goes to war against the officials, but the Lakers coach sets the standard by being persistent and vocal throughout the majority of the ball game. Take a look at Doncic in the background of the video above in the Lakers' matchup against the San Antonio Spurs. The facial expression on Luka's face more than suggests that he is loving every bit of what is happening in front of him with Redick and the referee. JJ Redick's intensity matches that of Luka Doncic to a tee for the Lakers Will Doncic avoid the whistle of a technical foul for the entire 2025-26 season? Probably not. However, fixating on that specific aspect of the situation here also misses the bigger picture scope of the situation. Doncic should certainly be more than thankful about having a head coach who is just as passionate about every call being right. However, the Redick's energy matching that of his superstar player is the important takeaway here. The Lakers head coach has jokingly, and lovingly, been described as obsessed with basketball. Redick cares about every result, every detail, and is unafraid of communicating that to everyone around him. The second-year coach bluntly admitted how badly his team needed ball-handling after the early loss against the Portland Trail Blazers this season. Redick also did not shy away from his frustrations following an embarrassing 122-102 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday. With the Hawks missing so many vital members of their rotation, the Lakers should have enjoyed a giftwrapped victory. Instead, Atlanta crushed Los Angeles in terms of the effort. That was never going to sit well with Redick. The culture being built by the former NBA sharpshooter in Los Angeles will simply not let that slide. That should be music to the ears of Doncic. Luka is an openly fiery competitor. Doncic is just as hungry to win as Redick is. That is a formula for long-term success between a superstar and his bench boss.
