Lakers head coach JJ Redick is already seeing major progress from his stars this offseason. Speaking ahead of training camp, Redick praised Luka Doncic for raising his standard of play after EuroBasket and highlighted rookie Dalton Knecht’s bounce-back summer after hitting a wall in July.
“He’s embracing this new standard,” said Redick on Doncic. “You see him play in EuroBasket, and he’s moving better, he’s defending. All the things that you saw at the end of last year, where the layoff from the calf injury and the trade had an effect on him. I expect the best version of Luka, and it’s my job as a coach to bring that out on a daily basis.”
The Lakers are all-in on the title pursuit this season, but Luka cannot do it alone. If they are to contend, they’ll need all hands on deck, including Dalton Knecht, who Redick says has been making steady progress this summer.
“Dalton’s in a really good spot right now,” Redick added. “I’ve had a number of conversations with him throughout the summer that have been very positive. The guy did too much after the season. In the Summer League, he was burnt out. He’s in phenomenal shape, he’s in a great spot mentally, and he’s played well throughout September.”
Redick is entering his second year as the Lakers’ coach, and it’s coming with big expectations. After a successful rookie season, where he led the Lakers to the third seed in the West, the fans expect more, and it has put a lot of pressure on everyone in the organization.
For Pelinka’s part, he’s doubled down on the title pursuit by adding guys like Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart to the roster. He also signed coach Redick to a lucrative extension that will keep him locked in for years to come. LeBron’s future is still up in the air, but his dedication this season is undeniable, and his impact will be major.
More than anything, however, the Lakers’ success will hinge on Luka’s play, and that’s good news for the organization. After averaging 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game last season, he’s positioned for a career year in Los Angeles after working all summer to get into shape and develop his skills as a leader and defender.
He put on a show at EuroBasket, leading Slovenia with renewed vigor, a slimmer frame, and a chip on his shoulder to prove that he’s more than what the Mavericks gave him credit for.
Regarding Dalton Knecht, his story is only just beginning. After a turbulent rookie campaign, where he was nearly traded to the Hornets, concerns were raised about lingering resentment toward the franchise. Now, Knecht is set to return this season, having much improved his game and self-confidence.
Clearly, the Lakers are banking on Luka Doncic’s transformation and Dalton Knecht’s growth to push them over the top this season, and JJ Redick is making it clear he believes in both. With a deeper roster, a committed star, and a coach who has already shown he can steady the ship, Los Angeles has all the ingredients for another serious title run. Now it comes down to execution, and whether Luka and Knecht can live up to the promise Redick sees in them.
