JJ Redick Shares 1 LeBron James Observation After Huge Luka Doncic Trade 1 Dec 12, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) talks with Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) after the Mavericks defeat the Lakes at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

JJ Redick Shares 1 LeBron James Observation After Huge Luka Doncic Trade

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics
By Christian Alamodin | Last updated Feb 5, 2025 7:27 AM ET

It will take quite a while before the buzz surrounding Luka Doncic’s shocking move to join LeBron James and the Lakers die down. It’s fair that fans are still stunned by GM Nico Harrison’s shocking decision when even one of the greatest players in the game was blindsided by the trade.

Everyone in the Laker fandom understands that Luka’s arrival was made with the future in mind. King James is still an incredible player, but everyone can see that it’s only a matter of time before the 40-year-old superstar finally calls it a career.

However, everyone in JJ Redick’s roster is zeroed in on winning the chip with their current roster. While the Purple and Gold are still looking into potential moves for a capable big, the rookie head coach comments on a subtle change he’s seen in his former Mind the Game cohost.

JJ Redick thinks LeBron James is showing Luka Doncic how to lead by example

LeBron was the driving force behind the Lakers’ 122-97 win over the Los Angeles Clippers. King James showed out against their cross-town rivals, finishing the game with 26 points, eight rebounds, nine assists, and three steals on an efficient 61.5% shooting.

After the game, Redick noted that James was especially engaged in the team’s first game with Luka on the bench. “He’s going full tilt on both ends of the floor,” he told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin after the game.

Lakers fans might have been surprised by the King’s sudden effort, as he usually reserves going all-out during the late stages of the season and the playoffs. It didn’t make sense for Bron to push it when his team is fifth in the Western Conference standings.

Some can look at his stat line as a move on LeBron’s part to show Luka how to lead the team. Given the various issues Mavs GM Nico Harrison brought up in the trade’s aftermath, James may be showing the 25-year-old Slovenian how to silence his critics.

'23 + 77 = 100': Lakers Hype Up Luka Doncic, LeBron James Partnership 18 Dec 25, 2022; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (left) talks with Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (right) after the game between the Mavericks and the Lakers at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

However, it’s also possible that James just feels good and wants to welcome his new superstar teammate the way he knows best.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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