There’s growing excitement among Los Angeles Lakers fans following the team’s impressive performance against the Memphis Grizzlies. With a 45-29 record in the NBA regular season, the Lakers are just a few games away from clinching a playoff spot. After the game, head coach JJ Redick delivered some feedback about LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves on their answer to the offense moving forward.
Since Doncic joined the roster, the Lakers have looked like a different team. Despite concerns about his health, Doncic has been playing some of the best basketball of his career, on par with the level he showcased with the Dallas Mavericks before being traded in exchange for Anthony Davis.
As a perfect complement to LeBron, Doncic has made it clear that he’s excited about what’s to come with the Lakers. His chemistry with Reaves was on full display during their standout performance against the Grizzlies. After the victory, Redick shared what his players had to say following a conversation they had earlier that day.
“We challenged all three of them to play with a little more force, a little more pace, and a little more creativity when executing their three-man actions,” Redick said, adding that the four of them had discussed these adjustments on Saturday morning in preparation for the next phase of their offense.
LeBron, Doncic, and Reaves respond to Redick
Ahead of the Lakers’ matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies, Redick discussed the reunion between LeBron, Doncic, Reaves, and himself. The players seemed to immediately embrace the message. Their performances on the court reflected that as they led the Lakers to a commanding victory over a team that had been playing excellent basketball during the regular season.
The trio combined for 85 points and 25 assists in the Lakers’ 134-127 win over the Grizzlies. In fact, they were directly responsible for 120 of the Lakers’ total points, and their impressive effort has raised expectations among Lakers fans for the challenges ahead.
Redick’s thoughts on LeBron’s leadership
While the Lakers’ offensive trio impressed with their scoring and playmaking, JJ Redick weighed in on LeBron James’ leadership during the NBA game. During a crucial timeout, James was seen raising his voice to his teammates. Redick believes that moment was a key turning point in the Lakers’ victory in Memphis.
“He was an incredible leader tonight,” Redick said of James. “And it was early. It was throughout the game. When we got down, I challenged the group in a timeout, and he was as vocal as he’s been since returning from injury. That galvanized the group. I think if he doesn’t say what he said in that timeout, we probably don’t win the game.“
Austin Reaves also spoke about the timeout moment, calling it a refreshing change. The Lakers’ young guard noted that it had been some time since he had heard James be so vocal with his teammates. “It was the first time I’ve heard him yell in a while. It was refreshing, to be honest. I loved it,” Reaves said.