LeBron James knows demanding coaches better than almost anyone in the league, so when he breaks down a coaching culture, he speaks from real experience. On the latest episode of Mind the Game with Steve Nash, James peeled back the curtain on JJ Redick’s approach in Los Angeles and explained why the Lakers have bought in so quickly, Fadeaway World reports. He pointed to one quality that drives everything Redick sets in place, honesty without shortcuts.
James called Redick’s entire basketball life a blueprint for accountability. “You look at JJ’s career as a basketball player all the way from high school, you know, and he’s been a winner his whole life,” James said. “He’s been taught the game the right way and it’s been no sugarcoating with the coaches that’s put him in a position that he is in today.”
James then drew a direct line between Redick’s voice and what he experienced from Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski. “I had an opportunity to play for Coach K a couple of times, and Coach K, there’s no sugarcoating,” James said. “He’s gonna tell you exactly how we feel if you’re not doing it right, but it’s gonna be in a very stern but loving way. It’s not how he says it, it’s about how you accept it.”
He explained why that structure works. “If you take what he says or how he says it personal, then you’re gonna lose sight of the messaging. I think with JJ it’s kind of the same way.”
Redick’s Direct Style Sets the Tone
James highlighted Redick’s clarity during games and practices. “He’s right to the point, no sugarcoating it. Listen, this is how we want to play, this is how we want to play,” James said. “And if I’m seeing possessions or I’m seeing things not up to our standard and what the coaching staff is putting out there, I’m gonna show you my reaction, and it’s not to down you, it’s about you understanding what we’re trying to build long term, and I can respect that.”
For James, that approach feels familiar. “I mean, I love that. I come from the old school, you know, Keith Dambrot, who was my first high school coach, who, s**t, like if you was doing the three-man weave wrong, he’d kick your ass out of practice.”
A promotional clip for Mind the Game teased the full conversation ahead of its Black Friday release, and it showcased how strongly James views Redick’s leadership inside the locker room.
Why the Lakers Respond to Redick
The Lakers entered this season with questions but found stability through shared standards and strong internal communication. According to James, Redick does not hesitate to hold any player accountable, and that includes younger members of the roster. His reactions during games and practice set expectations, and the group understands his intention.
James’ own return from injury has added to the momentum. He averaged 17.7 points, 8.7 assists, five rebounds and one steal across his first three games back. He most recently delivered 25 points, six rebounds and six assists in a 135 to 118 NBA Cup win over the Los Angeles Clippers, a victory that moved the Lakers to 3 to 0 in West Group B and secured a quarterfinal berth.
Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic continue to drive the offense as well. Reaves averaged 27.9 points, seven assists and 5.7 rebounds, per ClutchPoints. Doncic maintained MVP-level production with 35.2 points, 9.2 assists and 8.8 rebounds per game.
Los Angeles now turns its attention to Friday’s NBA Cup group-play finale against the Dallas Mavericks at Crypto.com Arena. Tip-off is set for 10 p.m. ET on Prime Video. The meeting could also feature the return of Anthony Davis, who has missed time with a calf strain. His potential availability brings another storyline as both teams continue navigating early season challenges.
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