Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick repeatedly pointed to offensive execution and decision-making after his team beat the Chicago Bulls 129-118 on Monday night at the United Center. The victory improved Los Angeles to 3-1 on its eight-game road trip.
Redick focused on how the Lakers responded when Chicago briefly seized momentum in the third quarter. “We executed well offensively,” Redick said. “I thought throughout the game, like I know Luka and LeBron, they took shots and they scored. But their patience to just pass and make the right play was was really good.”
The Bulls cut the deficit to 81-80 midway through the third, but Los Angeles answered with a quick run that restored control. “They just made a lot of really good simple plays,” Redick said. “And you know, that’s reflected in our low turnover total.”
The Lakers finished with just six turnovers while recording 26 assists and shooting 56 percent from the field. “Another game where we get 25 plus assists and we’re able to take care of the basketball,” Redick said. “We outscored them in fast break points. We outscored them in the paint.”
Luka Doncic led all scorers with 46 points, 11 assists, and seven rebounds on 15-for-25 shooting. Redick explained how Doncic managed the game despite Chicago’s defensive attention.
“He has a really good sense of if they’re blitzing me in pick and roll, you know, to be that facilitator,” Redick said. “We’re him and I are starting to get that good feel for when he needs to get off ball.”
Redick noted that Doncic took ownership of his workload during the game. “He came to me a couple times tonight,” Redick said. “He was like, ‘Let’s go to this off ball.’ And he was great off ball. He was great on ball. He was great in the post.”
Asked about Doncic’s passing and creativity, Redick leaned on his own experience. “He’s an engine that’s fully on and he likes to to create out there,” Redick said. “More often than not, you’re going to get a great result.”
The Lakers also received major contributions from the bench, led by Rui Hachimura’s 23 points on 9-for-11 shooting. “I think our bench was awesome,” Redick said. “Rui and and Jaxson in particular were were really good tonight.”
Redick addressed Hachimura’s recent rhythm after returning from injury. “It feels like the last few games he’s back to who he was at the start of the year,” Redick said. “I think his defensive engagement particularly um the last two games has been really good.”
Redick dismissed the idea that starting or coming off the bench should define a player. “Just be a good basketball player,” he said. “Nobody’s going to care if you were a starter or came off the bench.”
The Lakers shot 16-for-33 from three-point range and closed the game after leading by as many as 20 points. Los Angeles travels to Cleveland on Wednesday, while Chicago heads to Indiana.
