Los Angeles Lakers Luka Dončić Doesn’t Hold Back While …see details.
Luka Dončić has never been one to hide his feelings, whether on the basketball court or in front of the cameras. The Los Angeles Lakers star, known for his fiery competitiveness and sharp wit, recently had fans buzzing after openly sharing his admiration for former NBA sharpshooter turned analyst, JJ Redick.
The moment came during a lighthearted interview that quickly turned serious when Dončić was asked about Redick’s transition from the hardwood to the media world. Instead of offering a short, polite response, Dončić leaned in and gave a thoughtful breakdown of what he believes makes Redick stand out not just as a player from the past, but as a respected figure in basketball culture today.
“First of all, JJ is one of the smartest basketball minds I’ve ever listened to,” Dončić began. “He doesn’t just talk about the game he breaks it down in a way that makes sense for everyone, whether you’re a player, a coach, or just a fan watching at home.”
Dončić didn’t stop there. He went on to highlight Redick’s work ethic, noting how it was visible throughout his 15-year NBA career. “You could see it when he played,” Dončić said. “The way he prepared, the way he shot the ball, the discipline he had. That’s something young players like me always respected.”
He also praised Redick’s honesty in the media world, something that can often be rare. “He’s not afraid to say the truth, even if it’s uncomfortable,” Dončić added. “That’s what makes his podcast and his commentary so good. He’s real. And people need real voices in basketball.”
The comments struck a chord with fans, especially because Dončić has at times been critical of media narratives around him and his career. For him to speak so openly about Redick’s positive qualities shows not just respect, but also trust in how Redick approaches storytelling in basketball.
Social media quickly lit up after the clip surfaced. Lakers fans applauded Dončić for being candid, while others noted that his words might encourage more current players to recognize media voices who are willing to tell the game’s story authentically.
Redick himself responded in his usual sharp-witted fashion on X (formerly Twitter), writing: “Appreciate the kind words, Luka. But don’t think I’m gonna go easy on you next time you turn the ball over five times in the first half.”
It was the kind of exchange that highlights the evolving relationship between players and media personalities in today’s NBA. For Dončić, a superstar still writing his legacy, giving Redick flowers now is a sign of maturity and awareness. For Redick, it’s validation that his post-playing career is resonating with the very athletes he once shared the court with.
As one fan put it online, “Luka didn’t just compliment JJ he explained why JJ matters to the game.” And in a league that thrives on both rivalry and respect, that’s about the highest praise you can get.
