JJ Redick Outlines Biggest Challenge of Coaching Luka Doncic and LeBron James

NBA: Los Angeles Lakers at Boston Celtics - Source: Imagn
NBA: Los Angeles Lakers at Boston Celtics - Source: Imagn

In only his second professional season as a head coach, JJ Redick opened up about a major challenge he is dealing with. This issue has nothing to do with himself, his players’ abilities, or the teams they face. It comes from the outside, and the LA Lakers coach is getting tired of it.

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Redick explained that he is finding it hard to get his players to shut out the outside noise and stay emotionally steady after both good and bad performances.

While speaking to reporters during a practice session, he explained how social media is playing a huge role in how players react to everything. According to him, many players take online opinions too seriously and let them affect their mindset.

“These guys, they read every single good and bad thing about them,” Redick said. “They’ll feel ‘bad’ if they play poorly and ‘good’ if they play well because of what people will say about them. So getting guys to feel neutral, with consistency every single day has just become incredibly difficult in our league.”
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JJ Redick’s frustration with social media comes after his team wrapped up a three-game road trip. Following a 2-1 run during that stretch, Luka Doncic and co. head back to Crypto.com Arena for a lone game homestand, set to host the San Antonio Spurs in an NBA Emirates Cup quarterfinals clash on Wednesday.

JJ Redick lauds LeBron James for bouncing back after double-digit scoring streak ends

On Dec. 4, the LA Lakers faced the Toronto Raptors in a game that will be remembered for a rare moment in LeBron James’ career. For the first time since Jan. 6, 2007, he did not reach double digits in scoring. His incredible streak of 1,297 consecutive games with at least 10 points finally came to an end.

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However, in the very next game he played, James responded. He delivered a season-high 29 points along with seven rebounds and six assists, leading the Lakers to a 112-108 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Dec. 7.

JJ Redick praised his superstar for the way he bounced back, explaining how this type of response can strengthen any player’s morale.

“I don’t think LeBron needs confidence,” Redick said. “But it’s a fair question because I do think it’s important to be reminded every now and then of what you’re capable of. And for him to have the injuries and then to sort of start the season playing catch-up in a way, and start the season playing catch-up with a team that is also in a really good rhythm and, as a player, I don’t care how good you are, that’s tough to figure out. So tonight was super important.”

JJ Redick will now expect James to deliver another strong production in the next matchup, helping the Lakers get past the Spurs and secure a place in the NBA Emirates Cup semifinals.

Los Angeles Lakers Fan? Check out the latest Lakers depth chart, schedule, and roster updates all in one place.

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Edited by Advait Jajodia
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