Magic Johnson: Lakers’ JJ Redick has ‘become a great NBA coach’

Luka Doncic is getting plenty of attention for the Lakers’ 10-2 start. Magic Johnson wants to make sure JJ Redick gets some, too.

The Lakers legend pointed to a specific adjustment in Monday’s win over the Hawks as evidence of Redick’s growth on the sideline.

“The Lakers’ win over the Hawks yesterday showed that JJ Redick has become a great NBA coach,” Johnson wrote on X, via Ryan Ward of Lakers On SI. “His in-game switch from man-to-man to a zone defense changed the trajectory of the game, and he’s outstanding at drawing up plays out of timeouts!”

That’s a substantial endorsement from someone who knows a little about running an offense.

Redick has helped the Lakers win six straight despite considerable roster turnover. LeBron James departed for Philadelphia, nine new players arrived, and the task became building a team that could get the most out of Doncic and Austin Reaves.

Through 12 games, the Lakers have looked considerably more settled than that amount of change might suggest.

Johnson also sees improvements that go beyond shot-making.

“Last year, the Lakers were a slow team that got beat in transition, but not this season,” Johnson wrote. “This team is mentally and physically tougher, and that’s why they’re 10-2!”

Doncic’s production certainly makes a coach’s job easier. But getting a new group organized, finding workable defensive answers and making useful adjustments are part of what the Lakers need from Redick.

Johnson’s praise focused on those details. The Lakers have plenty of basketball left to play, but their coach is giving them more than a good seat to watch Doncic.

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