Lakers head coach JJ Redick highlighted the team’s adjustments in the fourth quarter as a key factor in their 111-103 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday, January 6. “We did a really good job executing in the fourth quarter. We made a couple of adjustments just in terms of some off-ball stuff and then we went to 1-5,” Redick said, pointing to defensive changes that limited the Pelicans’ late scoring.
Redick credited his players for maintaining focus despite early mistakes. “There were three to four plays that were just kind of wonky plays… but we kept playing hard enough and we kept together,” he explained, noting that correct challenges on charges and calls helped the team swing momentum.
LeBron James’ performance drew particular praise. “He was awesome tonight, just kind of took over to start the fourth and got us the lead back,” Redick said. “I love what’s happening right now with Luka and LeBron and that partnership, whether it’s pick and roll with each other… there’s some real synergy happening right now and it’s fun to watch.”
Redick also addressed LeBron’s fitness after a limited offseason, noting, “I know LeBron and I know how much he puts into this… he every night doesn’t have his best stuff, but he has enough to win. And you just got to… figure out how to call the pitches.” He emphasized the ongoing dialogue between himself and James: “Sometimes in games… I know that you’ll end up with the shot. And it’s really just that ongoing dialogue with him.”
On Luka Doncic, Redick highlighted his creativity and confidence, describing a sequence in which Luka made a contested three over multiple defenders. “Is it not surprise at all that he takes that shot and he makes it? We were just joking about it… As soon as you shot it, I knew it was going in. He said, ‘Yeah, so did I.’”
Redick also emphasized the importance of adaptability among his stars. “When you have players who are as dynamic currently as Luka and LeBron… that raises your ceiling. They’re naturally going to want the ball in their hands… but them being open to playing in a myriad of ways has been really good for us.”
The Lakers improved to 23-11, with LeBron and Luka combining for 60 points and 18 assists, while Deandre Ayton added 18 points and 11 rebounds. The win was Los Angeles’ fourth in five games, and it ended New Orleans’ eight-game losing streak despite Trey Murphy’s career-high 41 points.
