Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick reflected on his team’s 107-91 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night, highlighting Luka Doncic’s performance and the squad’s resilience.
“We’ve had so many of these games this season. It almost feels normal,” Redick said, emphasizing the team’s “level of spirit and toughness and fight and togetherness and connectedness.” He added, “It was fantastic. We did a lot of really good things…this is how we’re going to have to compete and be in games right now.”
Redick praised Doncic for keeping the team in contention despite injuries and absences. “To start, Luka’s just contribution tonight…he had the requisite disposition of leadership,” he said. “His body language, his confidence, he gave his teammates confidence.”
On Doncic’s recent recognition as a leading All-Star vote-getter, Redick noted, “He was honored…just something that he hadn’t thought would ever be possible. I think he’s established himself as a global superstar.”
The coach highlighted other contributors, particularly Jake LaRavia and Jaxson Hayes. “One or two guys that have stacked multiple games in a row for us are Jake and Jaxson. Jaxson of late…he’s played great on both ends,” Redick said.
Redick also reflected on Doncic’s non-basketball leadership. “There’s like we’re all human beings…post Christmas I wasn’t at my best. I feel like I’ve found my way with the group again and he’s been really good with all that stuff for the last six games,” he noted.
The Lakers were limited in Wednesday’s game, with LeBron James out due to arthritis and sciatica, and Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura sidelined. Despite Luka’s 38-point triple-double, the Spurs’ Keldon Johnson scored 27 and Victor Wembanyama added 16 points with 14 rebounds, helping San Antonio control the game.
“Luka made the right plays…communication, body language, facial expressions, the spirit, I thought that was all in a great spot,” Redick concluded, acknowledging his star’s leadership and the team’s fight under challenging circumstances.
