Lakers Coach JJ Redick Adopts Calm Approach After Duke Mentor's Guidance

Lakers head coach JJ Redick is adjusting his leadership style for the third season of his tenure, prioritizing calm over the anger that fueled his playing career. Redick told the Southern California News Group in October that he now meets regularly with a performance coach to refine how he communicates with his players. He noted that a team reflects its head coach's mood, body language, and words, and he aims for the group to mirror a clear-minded state rather than a riled-up one.

Redick, 42, acknowledged that his inner anger served as a competitive fuel during his 15-year NBA career. However, he identified those same traits as potential deterrents in his current role. He said that while players may respond to demonstrative moments, relying solely on anger can cause them to tune out or react negatively. He stated that helping players achieve the best possible headspace is more important than trying to get them excited through frustration.

Mike Krzyzewski, who coached Redick at Duke from 2002 to 2006, views this adjustment as part of a continuous process of growth. The 79-year-old coach said Redick operates on the theory that he is always becoming, which keeps him willing to listen, learn, and adapt. Krzyzewski noted that Redick used anger as mental jet propulsion during his college years to overcome hostile crowds and become the all-time great college basketball player. He added that anger is only harmful if it destroys something good, and it can serve as a resource to inspire a team when it shows a level of care.

Krzyzewski said he was initially surprised when Redick announced his intention to coach but was not surprised by the outcome given Redick's competitive drive. Krzyzewski described Redick as a competitor who craves the game and understood that broadcasting would not satisfy that hunger. He said he encouraged Redick to pursue coaching, noting that the Los Angeles Lakers are among the most visible and tough assignments in the league.

The two men share a friendship that extends beyond basketball. Krzyzewski said they trust one another and speak the truth without embellishment. He said their conversations often focus on Redick's mindset and well-being rather than game strategy. Redick agreed, stating that while they may discuss coaching randomly, the relationship is largely defined by 20 years of friendship and family matters. He added that he values studying other coaches in one-off situations, citing a recent interaction with Rams head coach Sean McVay as insightful.

Redick has already achieved a level of success that few Lakers coaches have matched. He became the first Lakers head coach since Phil Jackson to reach the 50-win milestone in consecutive seasons. He is also the 16th coach in NBA history to record 50-win seasons in his first two years. Only Pat Riley, Paul Westhead, and Butch van Breda Kolff had attained that specific feat with the Lakers before Redick.

The Lakers are currently 7-2 entering the weekend. The team ranks second in points per game at 121.8 and has the 17th-best defense, allowing 113.9 points per game. Star guard Luka Doncic is leading the league with 38.5 points per game, alongside 8.1 rebounds and 8.0 assists. Redick said the goal of his leadership is to maximize the group and ensure players enjoy coming to work.

Krzyzewski noted that Redick's recent retirement from playing in September 2021 helps him empathize with his current roster. Redick was teammates with Doncic on the Dallas Mavericks and played against five of his 16 fully-guaranteed contract players during his professional career. Krzyzewski said he loves that Redick works hard and is always trying to get better.

The Lakers will host the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday at 7 p.m. at Crypto.com Arena. The game will be broadcast on Spectrum SportsNet and Prime Video, with radio coverage on 710 AM and 980 AM.