Lakers Coach JJ Redick Sends 'Special' Luka Doncic Message

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Mar 2, 2026 7:52 PM ET

Luka Doncic scored 28 points to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a dominant 128-104 victory over the Sacramento Kings Sunday night.

Doncic added nine assists, five rebounds and four 3-pointers in the game at Crypto.com Arena, fueling the Lakers’ commanding lead. After jumping out to an 18-point advantage in the first quarter, the team never allowed Sacramento to catch up.

Los Angeles shot 50.0% from the field, making 47 of 94 attempts, and 46.2% from three-point range. L.A. made 17 of its first 33 three-point attempts early in the game. The Lakers finished 18-for-39 from beyond the arc, narrowly missing the franchise record.

LeBron James contributed 24 points, including two powerful dunks that energized the crowd. Doncic and James helped the team overwhelm the struggling Sacramento defense by capitalizing on defensive mistakes.

Los Angeles Lakers forward/guard Luka Doncic (77) dribbles upcourt against the Golden State Warriors in the second period.David Gonzales-Imagn Images

After the game, Lakers coach JJ Redick lauded Doncic’s performance and quick decision-making, calling him a uniquely special player.

“Coach K (legendary Duke Blue Devils coach Mike Krzyzewski) used to always use the word ‘daring,.” Redick told reporters when describing Doncic’s play. “There's a daring to Luka's game. It's what makes one of the many reasons that makes him such a special player.”

Redick admitted that the Lakers struggled in certain junctures in the second half, but Doncic made several impressive plays that helped the team regain control.

“He had a stretch there in the third quarter, we really struggled, we were struggling to get cohesive offense, a lot of holding the basketball,” the coach said. “I called timeout. And I thought that stretch for him, he just made a bunch of amazing plays.”

“We got our pace back and you know, he split the blitz and scores at the rim,” Redick continued as he discussed how the 27-year-old point guard expertly navigated those double teams.

Redick was also impressed by how Doncic anticipated a defensive switch, read the offensive play, and delivered the ball quickly to exploit the defense.

“He has the wrap-around pass, the one pass he threw to Rui, which Rui airballed, just the anticipation,” Redick explained. “Like, not every team switches that, they usually track their five, and they switch with the guy coming off the chin screen, and he read that before it even happened, and Rui gets a wide open three. So, he just, again, processing speed was spectacular in that stretch.”

By the end of the third quarter, the Lakers led 96–76 over the Kings. They did not look back from there. For the second time in as many nights, the Lakers blew out a Pacific Division rival. Doncic also led the Lakers in scoring in their 129–101 win over the Golden State Warriors on Feb. 28, finishing with 26 points.

The latest win moved Los Angeles into sixth place in the Western Conference standings with a 36-24 record. It also strengthened the Lakers’ hold on the final guaranteed playoff spot.

The Lakers will host the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday as they look to extend their winning streak.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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