JJ Redick’s chemistry with LeBron James and Luka Doncic was on full display during the Los Angeles Lakers’ commanding 123-100 victory over the Denver Nuggets, a game that solidified their growing bond as a dominant force in the Western Conference.
LeBron James never does this with Darvin Ham.
— Ryan Rueda (@iDude14) February 23, 2025
As the Lakers controlled the game and the starters checked out, a telling moment captured Doncic sharing smiles and conversation with JJ Redick, highlighting the trust and camaraderie between the two.
Having played together briefly during Redick’s final season in the NBA, their relationship has only strengthened over the years, with Redick frequently praising Doncic’s basketball IQ and playmaking ability during his time as an analyst. It was fitting that as a first-time head coach, Redick is now guiding the player he always envisioned coaching.
Shortly after Doncic’s exchange with Redick, cameras caught another lighthearted moment between the head coach and LeBron James. The two shared laughs, with James even playfully throwing a fake punch before both burst into laughter.
It was a rare glimpse of the chemistry and mutual respect forming between the Lakers’ leader and their head coach, one that has been evident in the team’s turnaround since Redick took over.
The Lakers have now won seven of their last ten games and, more importantly, just secured their first victory in Denver since 2022, snapping a five-game losing streak to the Nuggets. Before this game, the Lakers had lost 13 of their last 14 matchups against Denver, including two straight playoff eliminations.
Luka Doncic delivered his best performance as a Laker, finishing with 32 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, and four steals while shooting 45.5% from the field. LeBron James added 25 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and three blocks, asserting himself as the Lakers’ engine.
Austin Reaves chipped in with 23 points, while Rui Hachimura contributed 21, marking a balanced effort from the Lakers’ starting unit. On the other hand, Denver struggled, with Nikola Jokic registering an uncharacteristic stat line of 12 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists on 28.6% shooting. The Lakers’ defense stifled Jokic, forcing six turnovers and disrupting Denver’s offensive rhythm throughout the game.
The chemistry between Redick, LeBron, and Luka is translating into an identity for the Lakers. Under Redick’s guidance, the Lakers have transformed into a high-paced, free-flowing offensive team, executing a strategic approach that emphasizes ball movement and defensive intensity.
After the game, Redick lauded his team’s commitment to the game plan, revealing the depth of preparation that went into this marquee matchup.
“I thought our guys’ conviction to execute the game plan and stick with that game plan was excellent. I told the group, there’s certain moments throughout the season that you just get up for.”
“I pretty much haven’t slept since we walked off the court in Portland. I spent a lot of time on this game, our staff spent a lot of time on this game. I envision our guys playing hard, they played harder than I could’ve envisioned. They battled tonight and those were the two things that stood out.”
He emphasized how much time he and his staff spent studying the Nuggets, describing how he barely slept after their previous game against Portland in anticipation of this contest. The result was a near-perfect execution, with the Lakers not only securing a statement win but also proving that they are a legitimate contender in the Western Conference.
Now sitting at 34-21, the Lakers have moved up to fifth in the West, just two games behind the Nuggets for the third seed. This victory signals a shift in momentum, not just for the Lakers but for their new superstar duo. With their chemistry strengthening under Redick’s leadership, the LeBron-Luka era in Los Angeles might just be beginning.
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