In a recent episode of “The Old Man and the Three” podcast, former NBA player and current Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick shared an amusing anecdote about his former teammate, Luka Dončić. Redick recounted a moment when Dončić made a surprising admission about his training habits.
During their conversation, Redick inquired about Dončić’s ability to decelerate rapidly during drives—a skill that often leaves defenders off balance. When asked how he developed this technique and how frequently he practiced it, Dončić responded with a grin, “I didn’t practice that.” Taken aback by the casualness of the reply, Redick exclaimed, “You’re a sick f**k,” highlighting his astonishment at Dončić’s natural talent.
This exchange offers a glimpse into the unique dynamic between Redick and Dončić, who were briefly teammates with the Dallas Mavericks during the 2020–2021 NBA season. Their camaraderie has continued, especially now that Dončić has joined the Lakers under Redick’s coaching. Reflecting on their past, Dončić humorously remarked about Redick’s final playing days, “First of all, he couldn’t move at all.” He added, “It was a great relationship. I really respect him. You don’t see me going on podcasts. I went on his podcast twice, so you know how much respect I have for him.”
Redick has consistently praised Dončić’s exceptional skills. In various discussions, he has emphasized Dončić’s unparalleled ability to dissect defenses and create scoring opportunities, not only for himself but also for his teammates. Redick noted, “Luka is a one-of-a-kind, young global superstar who will lead this franchise for years to come.”
As the NBA season progresses, fans are eager to see how the synergy between Coach Redick and Dončić will influence the Lakers’ performance. Their shared history and mutual respect suggest a promising collaboration, blending Redick’s strategic insights with Dončić’s on-court brilliance.