Latest news with #Redick
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Luka Dončić has reportedly dropped 'significant weight,' is working on conditioning ahead of second season with Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick sent out a not-so-subtle message to his players following their playoff elimination to the Minnesota Timberwolves in May. At an end-of-season news conference, Redick said the team needs to "get in championship shape" if it wants to win a title. Star guard Luka Dončić apparently heard that message loud and clear. Dončić has reportedly dropped "significant weight" as he focuses on his conditioning ahead of his second season with the Lakers, per Dan Woike of The Athletic. "Dončić has been incredibly committed to his conditioning this offseason. He's dropped significant weight and is working on strict diet and cardio training, according to a source with knowledge of the plan. In a shift from his normal offseason, he spent a month away from on-court work to focus more on his body. Dončić has looked visibly slimmer in photos and is now back working out with Slovenia readying for EuroBasket competition later this summer." Advertisement That should come as welcome news to Lakers fans. If there's a complaint about Dončić's game, it revolves around his conditioning. That was reportedly one of the reasons the Dallas Mavericks were willing to trade Dončić to the Lakers. While those issues haven't prevented Dončić from reaching an elite level of performance on the court, some have wondered whether the superstar could reach an even higher level if he were in better shape. Dončić has put up fantastic numbers since the Atlanta Hawks selected him with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. Dončić was quickly traded to the Mavericks, where he won the Rookie of the Year award. In seven seasons in the NBA, Dončić is averaging 28.6 points, 8.6 rebounds and 8.2 assists. He's a five-time All-Star who has finished in the top eight of MVP voting five times. If Dončić's conditioning played a role in the Lakers' premature playoff exit, he didn't show it on the court. After putting up similar numbers in the regular season, Dončić upped his game in the playoffs. In five games, he scored 30.2 points. He also played a playoff-leading 41.6 minutes per game. That total was elevated after Redick opted to play his starters for the entire second half during a Game 4 loss to the Timberwolves. Advertisement When Redick initially made the comment about the team getting "in championship shape," many interpreted it as veiled criticism toward Dončić. By all accounts, Dončić has responded to it well. While it's tough to imagine the star guard being even better next season, a highly motivated version of Dončić entering the season in the best shape of his life would present a number of problems to a league that already struggles to stop him.
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Luka Dončić has reportedly dropped 'significant weight,' is working on conditioning ahead of second season with Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick sent out a not-so-subtle message to his players following their playoff elimination to the Minnesota Timberwolves in May. At an end-of-season press conference, Redick said the team needs to "get in championship shape" if it wants to win a title. Star guard Luka Dončić apparently heard that message loud and clear. Dončić has reportedly dropped "significant weight" as he focuses on his conditioning ahead of his second season with the Lakers, per Dan Woike of The Athletic. "Dončić has been incredibly committed to his conditioning this offseason. He's dropped significant weight and is working on strict diet and cardio training, according to a source with knowledge of the plan. In a shift from his normal offseason, he spent a month away from on-court work to focus more on his body. Dončić has looked visibly slimmer in photos and is now back working out with Slovenia readying for EuroBasket competition later this summer." Advertisement That should come as welcome news to Lakers fans. If there's a complaint about Dončić's game, it revolves around his conditioning. That was reportedly one of the reasons the Dallas Mavericks were willing to trade Dončić to the Lakers. While those issues haven't prevented Dončić from reaching an elite level of performance on the court, some have wondered whether the superstar could reach an even higher level if he were in better shape. Dončić has put up fantastic numbers since the Atlanta Hawks selected him with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. Dončić was quickly traded to the Mavericks, where he won the Rookie of the Year award. In seven seasons in the NBA, Dončić is averaging 28.6 points, 8.6 rebounds and 8.2 assists. He's a five-time All-Star who has finished in the top-8 of MVP voting five times. If Dončić's conditioning played a role in the Lakers' premature playoff exit, he didn't show it on the court. After putting up similar numbers in the regular season, Dončić upped his game in the playoffs. In five games, he scored 30.2 points. He also played a playoff-leading 41.6 minutes per game. That total was elevated after Redick opted to play his starters for the entire second half during a Game 4 loss to the Timberwolves. Advertisement When Redick initially made the comment about the team getting "in championship shape," many interpreted it as veiled criticism toward Dončić. By all accounts, Dončić has responded to it well. While it's tough to imagine the star guard being even better next season, a highly-motivated version of Dončić entering the season in the best shape of his life would present a number of problems to a league that already struggles to stop him.
USA Today
23-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Writer suggests Lakers add longtime NBA coach to JJ Redick's staff
By all accounts, JJ Redick's first season as the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers was fairly successful. Although he had one or two miscues along the way, he kept them together through up and downs and multiple changes and guided them to the third seed in the Western Conference. He was hired a year ago despite having no real experience as a coach at either the pro or college levels. But the former NBA sharpshooter showed plenty of aptitude as LeBron James' co-host for the "Mind the Game" podcast, and it is presumed by many that his role there led to him getting the Lakers' coaching job. But Redick can continue to get better, something he admitted during his final press conference following his team's exit from the NBA playoffs. Part of that improvement could come in the form of making a prime addition to his staff. Svyatoslav Rovenchuk of Lake Show Life suggested that Redick and the Lakers should make a bold move by hiring Tom Thibodeau to be an assistant coach. Via Lake Show Life: "Tom Thibodeau was let go from his head coaching position for the New York Knicks after the team lost in the Eastern Conference Finals," Rovenchuk wrote. "There are plenty of flaws to Thibodeau as a head coach. However, as an assistant, Redick would get some much-needed support from the veteran mind." Thibodeau's coaching career began when he served as an assistant coach with the Minnesota Timberwolves during the 1989-90 season. In the mid-2000s, he helped the Houston Rockets become one of the league's top defensive teams as an assistant under Jeff Van Gundy, and in 2007, he became the Boston Celtics' associate head coach. The Celtics instantly became one of the greatest defensive teams in NBA history with Thibodeau essentially serving as their defensive coordinator. They won the world championship in 2008 and were minutes away from winning another one in 2010 until they choked away a 13-point second-half lead in Game 7 of the NBA Finals versus the Lakers. Thibodeau was recently fired by the New York Knicks after being their head coach for five seasons. He helped them reach the playoffs in four of his five seasons there and has been credited with building a winning culture and helping them become contenders after two decades of ineptitude. At age 67, he may or may not have any real interest in continuing to be a coach.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lakers Fans React to JJ Redick, Knicks Coaching News
Lakers Fans React to JJ Redick, Knicks Coaching News originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The New York Knicks find themselves in a delicate position as they continue their search for a head coach following Tom Thibodeau's firing after their run to the Eastern Conference Finals last month. As the only NBA team actively seeking a replacement, the Knicks front office appears to be approaching the process with caution, ensuring any candidate aligns with their strategic vision and organizational values. Advertisement In recent developments, the Knicks have encountered significant resistance in their recruitment efforts. Both the Houston Rockets and the Minnesota Timberwolves have denied permission for the Knicks to interview their head coaches, Ime Udoka and Chris Finch, respectively. New York Knicks former head coach Tom Ruszkowski-Imagn Images Reports also indicate that New York reached out to the Dallas Mavericks about Jason Kidd, Atlanta Hawks regarding Quin Snyder, and Chicago Bulls about Billy Donovan—but were rebuffed in each instance. Amid these deliberations, a new report emerged about who the Knicks have not requested permission to interview. One of these coaches in Los Angeles Lakers' JJ Redick, who was named by Sam Amick of The Athletic as one of a handful of names the Knicks are not pursuing. Lakers fans have been reacting to this on X. Advertisement "They want Darvin Ham instead," one joked. "Jj being considered part of the 'elite coaching crew' already wow lol," said one. "what we not gone do is put elite coaching and jj redick in the same sentence," a more critical fan stated. "Doc Rivers mentioned alongside Redick, Lue, Kerr and Carlisle," a Lakers fan commented with a reaction photo. "JJ Redick in 'elite coaches crew' ??!" wrote another critical fan. "Ok I love JJ but how is he considered an elite coach already lmao," one added. Redick, a former NBA player turned media member, signed a four‑year contract as the Lakers' head coach—his first professional coaching role. Should the Knicks decide to pursue Redick, they will need to first obtain the Lakers' consent, although chances are the Lakers will decline their request. Advertisement The Knicks face mounting pressure to expedite their decision-making process. Their next steps—whether prompting outreach, re-evaluating other candidates, or waiting for a clearer path—is set to usher in the next era of New York basketball. Related: Andrew Wiggins to Lakers Trade Report Surfaces After Rui Hachimura News Related: New Report on Celtics NBA Champion Potentially Joining Lakers This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
30-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Lakers head coach JJ Redick visited a Rams practice this week
Lakers head coach JJ Redick visited a Rams practice this week JJ Redick has silenced plenty of his critics by leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 50-32 record and the third seed in the Western Conference this season. Although they were knocked out of the first round of the playoffs in five games by the Minnesota Timberwolves, it looks like they have found a quality coach to lead them into the future. Even better, it looks like Redick has gained respect from others. On Wednesday, the head coach of the Purple and Gold made an appearance at a Los Angeles Rams offseason practice session, and he even talked to some of their players. Sean McVay, the innovative and bright head coach of the Rams, had some nice things to say about Redick. The Rams have rebuilt very quickly following their Super Bowl championship three calendar years ago. With young stars coming into their own on both sides of the football, as well as newcomer Davante Adams, a six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver, they're hoping to get back into the mix for the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Redick is likely hoping the Lakers supply him with some young studs of their own so that he can deliver a world championship trophy of his own to the Southland.
