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Tag: Luka Doncic

JJ Redick Shares Confident Message After Lakers Rout Warriors

3/1/2026

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The Los Angeles Lakers, delivered a much-needed response on Saturday night, rolling past the Golden State Warriors in a statement road win at Chase Center.Chase Center.

Afterward, head coach JJ Redick focused less on the margin of victory and more on the bigger picture postgame.

(📷 via: Oh No He Didn’t on X/Twitter)

“I’m confident we are gonna find that level that we want to get to. It’s taken longer than I thought, but I’m confident we’re gonna get there”

The statement came after one of Los Angeles’ most complete efforts of the season, snapping a three-game overall skid and a three-game road losing streak. The win pushed the Lakers to 35-24, while Golden State dropped to 31-29.

Wire-to-Wire Control

The Lakers set the tone immediately. They opened the game shooting 12-of-21 from the field and knocked down five three-pointers in the first quarter to build a 33-16 lead.

The advantage quickly stretched beyond 20 early in the second quarter, and the Warriors never mounted a serious push.

Golden State, playing without Stephen Curry (right knee) and Kristaps Porziņģis (illness), struggled offensively. The Warriors began 2-of-17 from three and finished just 12-of-44 from deep.

Stars Lead the Way in the Bay

Luka Doncic paced Los Angeles with 26 points, eight assists and six rebounds before sitting late once the outcome was secure.

LeBron James added 22 points, nine assists and seven rebounds on 7-of-13 shooting, including 4-of-6 from beyond the arc.

Austin Reaves contributed 18 points on efficient shooting, while Luke Kennard scored 16 off the bench with four made threes. Deandre Ayton grabbed 10 rebounds as Los Angeles controlled the glass throughout.

Gui Santos led Golden State with 14 points, and Gary Payton II added 12.

A Step Toward the Standard

For Redick, the night represented progress toward the level he believes the Lakers can consistently reach. Ball movement was sharper. The spacing created open perimeter looks. The defensive intensity forced tough shots.

The Lakers had struggled against elite defensive teams in recent weeks. Against Golden State, they played with pace and precision from the opening possession.

Redick’s message was clear. The process may be taking longer than expected, but performances like this suggest the Lakers are moving closer to the version of themselves they intend to become.

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LeBron James and Luka Dončić Lead the Lakers Back to Life

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LeBron James and Luka Doncic are the leaders of the Los Angeles Lakers. After what transpired on Tuesday evening, there is no question about it. These two contributed to the Lakers’ victory, which they sorely needed. For James, competing in his final years is everything.

Rich Paul told ESPN, “LeBron wants to compete for a championship.” He is aware that the Lakers are constructing for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we’ve had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.” (Source)

James wasn’t anticipated to play in the final game of the Lakers’ back-to-back series vs. the Atlanta Hawks due to his remarks made in New Orleans regarding playing back-to-back games.

“Every back-to-back for the rest of the season is TBD. I am 41. I got the most minutes in NBA history. Bank it right now, okay,” James told the media on January 7. (Source: B/R)

When asked about starting James in his first back-to-back games of the season, Lakers head coach JJ Redick declined to comment after the game. Redick was very exuberant in his praise of James’ work ethic and competitive drive.

“His competitive stamina is off the charts. It’s actually unfortunate how much this guy puts into it and how much he cares and the way certain people talk about him. It’s crazy. Come be around him every day and see how much this guy cares. Redick said, “It’s truly remarkable.” (Source)

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

James has an unquestionable passion for the game and will be there whenever the opportunity arises. Despite being 41 years old, Redick lost no time in changing the unfavorable perception of his age. Redick has made it clear that this isn’t the case, despite some people wondering if James isn’t playing because he’s getting too old. James is without a doubt one of the all-time great players.

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Luka Doncic Reveals Championship Goal Behind Stunning Body Transformation

Luka Doncic Reveals Championship Goal Behind Stunning Body Transformation

Luka Doncic has traded his offseason reputation for something much more dangerous—discipline.

Once criticized for his inconsistent conditioning, the 26-year-old phenom is making headlines this summer for an eye-opening transformation. A recent Men’s Health feature not only detailed his rigorous new routine but also showcased striking photos of his leaner physique.

The former Mavericks star is now working out twice a day and watching his diet carefully, revealing a commitment that may unlock a new level of dominance in Los Angeles.

“I would say winning the championship is my priority,” Doncic told People magazine, via Lakers Daily. “You know, you try to do it every year; I didn’t do it yet. Hopefully in the future I will.”

That championship mindset seems to be fueling every rep and every calorie tracked.

“So I mean, that was honestly my motivation. We got a new team, we got a whole preseason. You get to know each other, and honestly, I’m very excited to start.”

A New Start in LA

Six months ago, Doncic was traded to Los Angeles in a shocking move that ended his six-year run with Dallas. In the aftermath, the Mavericks’ front office took not-so-subtle jabs at his physical condition—remarks many believe helped spark the transformation.

Now, the Lakers have reloaded. They addressed a major roster hole by adding center Deandre Ayton, and bolstered their perimeter defense with former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart.

Most importantly, head coach JJ Redick now gets his first full training camp with Doncic, giving the staff time to install an offense that maximizes the Slovenian superstar’s skillset.

Can the Lakers Contend?

Pundits remain skeptical of Los Angeles’ title chances this season. But if Doncic’s new body reflects a deeper mindset shift, it could change everything.

The Lakers already have firepower. If Doncic adds a new level of physical endurance and consistency to his game, the team’s ceiling rises dramatically.

From being doubted by his old team to becoming the fitness leader in LA’s locker room, Doncic’s arc might be the key storyline of the 2025-26 season.

If a title is his fuel, the league better be ready for a different beast.

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Lakers bring in Marcus Smart after Doncic reportedly pushed for the move

The Lakers continue to reshape their roster around their new franchise centerpiece—and this time, it’s on the defensive end.

Veteran guard Marcus Smart is reportedly joining Los Angeles after agreeing to a contract buyout with the Washington Wizards, per multiple reports. The 31-year-old is expected to bring a defensive edge the team lacked throughout most of the 2024–25 season.

Smart, a former Defensive Player of the Year (2022), has long been regarded as one of the NBA’s best perimeter defenders. Though injuries have slowed him in recent seasons, he remains a disruptive presence and vocal leader.

His arrival in LA reportedly came at the urging of Luka Doncic.

“Lakers All-NBA star Luka Doncic reached out to Smart and made it clear that he wanted to play with the two-way stalwart,” ESPN’s Shams Charania reported.

It’s the latest move in a clear pattern of catering to Doncic’s preferences since the February 1st blockbuster trade that brought him to Los Angeles. The front office already added rim-runner Deandre Ayton and sharpshooter Jake LaRavia earlier this offseason—both players who fit well next to Doncic’s playmaking skillset.

Smart adds a different dimension: toughness and defense.

Though he’s a career 32.4% shooter from deep, Smart made 34.8% of his threes last season in limited action (34 games). He holds career averages of 10.6 points, 4.6 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, and his on-court impact has never been measured solely in stats.

Los Angeles is looking to contend in the post-LeBron James era while also working to secure Doncic’s long-term future. He becomes eligible for a four-year, $228 million extension on August 2. He can opt out of his current deal following the 2025–26 season.

With Smart in the fold, the Lakers have now addressed two major areas: rim protection and perimeter defense.

If Doncic’s influence continues to shape the roster, LA’s retooled identity could start producing wins sooner than expected.

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Lakers fans will get fired up by Luka Doncic’s latest statement

Luka Doncic has set the tone for his Los Angeles Lakers legacy—and fans are already locked in.

In a recent statement shared by the franchise, Doncic made it clear how he wants to be remembered in Los Angeles:

“I want to be known as the guy that brought championships to the city.”

The quote, featured in a viral Lakers graphic, comes as Doncic prepares for his first full season in purple and gold following a midseason trade in February 2025.

Doncic made his debut on February 11th against the Utah Jazz, dropping just 14 points. Since then, he’s put up strong numbers, including a recent 28-point, 7-rebound, 9-assist performance that has only added to the buzz.

While LeBron James remains on the roster, Father Time may finally be closing in. As the four-time champion enters the twilight of his career, the Lakers are increasingly looking to Doncic as the future face of the franchise—and his ambition to bring titles back to LA is energizing a fanbase hungry for the next championship era.

The Slovenian star becomes eligible to sign a contract extension with the Lakers on August 2nd. Los Angeles can offer a four-year, $228 million deal, but there’s speculation he may opt for a shorter three-year structure to reach free agency sooner and potentially secure an even larger payday in his next deal.

The timing of negotiations may be delayed, Doncic is expected to represent Slovenia in EuroBasket, likely pushing any serious talks until after the tournament.

Still, with LA confident in their position and making his championship intentions clear, an agreement—whether now or later—seems like a matter of when, not if.

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