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Lakers' JJ Redick Reveals What Helped Build Team Chemistry Amid Surge

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Vishwesha Kumar | Last updated Mar 29, 2026 5:27 PM ET

JJ Redick pointed to an unexpected factor behind the Los Angeles Lakers’ recent chemistry surge: Golf.

Speaking to the media after practice ahead of the Washington Wizards game, Redick explained how time on the course has helped bring the roster closer.

"I think for our team, we have three to five guys, at least three, know, I think it's guys that this time last year had never played golf before. You know, Bronny, Luka, LeBron, Dalton, I think Jaxson's starting to work on his game. It's a good team-bonding thing."

"For our team in LA, I talked about this at the press conference recently. It's really hard in LA, because I've played here, I know it's really hard in LA to like, bond. You live in the half beach, you live in Calabasas, you live in Westside, whatever."

Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick watches game action during the second quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

"You're hours sometimes away from your teammates, so uh finding tee times, being with each other for four hours where you can shoot the proverbial S-H-I whatever, nd not have to be in a high-pressure moment or on a team bus and kind of be away from the facility. I think it's great."

“Finding tee times, being with each other for four hours where you can shoot the proverbial S-H-I-whatever and not have to be in a high pressure moment or on a team bus and kind of be away from the facility. I think it's great.” - JJ Redick on how golf has made the Lakers closer pic.twitter.com/7nlfOxXXm1
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) March 29, 2026

That approach has already shown results. During a recent road trip in Orlando, a group that included Luka Doncic,LeBron James, Bronny James, Austin Reaves, and members of the coaching staff spent time on the course together. Redick and Reaves are known golfers, while others have picked it up more recently.

LeBron, Luka, Luke Kennard, JJ Redick, Austin Reaves, Bronny, and more went golfing today.

Team chemistry
(@LukaUpdates) pic.twitter.com/cGqrSnnCme
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) March 22, 2026

The timing lines up with the Lakers’ form. The team has surged to a 48-26 record, climbing to third in the Western Conference. Their play reflects strong cohesion on both ends of the floor.

For the Lakers, those gains are not limited to the court. Redick’s comments highlight how shared time away from basketball has strengthened connections within the group.

As the season moves toward the playoffs, that foundation could shape how far this team goes.

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

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