The dynamic between head coach and franchise player can determine the trajectory of an organization. It can cement a team's status as contenders, a la Phil Jackson and Kobe Bryant, or derail an entire organization's identity, much as it did with Carmelo Anthony and George Karl at odds in Denver.
For the Los Angeles Lakers, that's become one of the most important conversations to emerge from the early stages of the Luka Doncic era.
Doncic has hit the ground running in Los Angeles, thriving offensively and silencing critics on defense. It's been an impressive start to his Lakers career, with both his individual play and his impact on winning being that of a postseason caliber.
When asked about how he's acclimating to playing for a new head coach in JJ Redick, Doncic offered encouraging words about their current relationship.
Luka on how he's getting along with coach JJ:
— Luka Updates (@LukaUpdates) March 16, 2025
"Amazing, amazing. We talk a lot even when there's no games. So far it's amazing with him." pic.twitter.com/63QCuOyWKj
Doncic and Redick will anchor the Lakers' future as franchise player and head coach, which makes the early stages of their "amazing" relationship quite intriguing.
Luka Doncic, JJ Redick have an "amazing" relationship
Redick has done a remarkable job during his first season as head coach of the Lakers. He's overcome injuries to stars, starters, and key role players, as well as a mid-season trade that forced him to adapt his team's style of play on both ends of the floor.
The fact that he's endured all of that adversity during his first season and still guaranteed the Lakers an above-.500 record is a testament to his resiliency and overall quality as a coach.
For as impressive as that may be, Redick has an entirely new challenge ahead of him. He took the job with something of a ringing endorsement from LeBron James, who had built goodwill with then-co-star Anthony Davis over the course of five completed seasons and a championship-winning campaign.
Doncic, however, has never played for Redick—and only briefly called him a teammate during the latter's final NBA season.
Thankfully, Doncic and Redick appear to be seeing more than just eye to eye. They're having active conversations even when they aren't necessarily preparing for a specific game, thus suggesting that their rapport is already a strength.
Doncic certainly appears to be responding well to Redick's coaching style, as he's actively excelling on both ends of the floor.
Doncic is averaging 29.2 points, 9.2 rebounds, 8.6 assists, 2.2 steals, and 3.7 three-point field goals made over his past 13 games with the Lakers. During that time, Los Angeles has gone 10-3, showing a clear commitment to helping their teammates—no matter which teammate it may be.
It's safe to presume that Doncic and Redick establishing immediate chemistry has played a significant role in that success.