Lakers Coach Addresses Doncic’s Passing Game Post-Defeat

After the Lakers’ recent loss to the Clippers, coach J.J. Redick hinted that star guard Luka Doncic might need to improve his passing. He noted that Doncic “had to trust the pass… when he’s in traffic, he needs to distribute the ball.”

So, how did Doncic respond? In a solid performance against the Chicago Bulls on Monday, he scored 46 points and provided 12 assists. This marked his third such game this season, reinforcing his ability to maintain double-digit assists regularly.

Post-game, Doncic said, “I was just being aggressive.” While he has downplayed the significance of Redick’s earlier comments, he recognized his duty as the primary ball handler to facilitate ball movement.

The stats indicate that, overall, Doncic hasn’t drastically altered his style since that Clippers game. Yet, there seems to be a subtle shift. Maybe he’s just getting off the ball a bit sooner. I mean, it’s noticeable, but is it really a significant change? Hard to say.

According to teammate Rui Hachimura, the team meeting with Redick emphasized the need for star players to engage their teammates. Hachimura remarked, “Credit to our coaches, especially J.J. They told the core ball handlers—LeBron and Luka—they need to find their teammates more. And it seems like they’ve embraced that.”

He added, “They accepted the feedback positively, and now everyone’s involved. It’s a lot more fun that way. That’s what basketball should be.” Although the Lakers aren’t expected to lead the league in passing, they don’t need to for success. They managed to defeat the Bulls, a team that ranks low in average passes per game.

And while they can create excellent scoring chances without excessive ball movement—thanks to Doncic, James, and the returning Austin Reeves—the upside is clear. Getting teammates more engaged through passing could help the Lakers as a whole.

As Jackson Hayes commented on Doncic, “When you have a playmaker like that, you have to give him the chance to do what he does best.” When Doncic gets into his passing rhythm, it can uplift the entire team’s energy. Remember that behind-the-back pass he made to Gabe Vincent, which led to a three-pointer from Hachimura? That’s the kind of play that energizes everyone on the court.

Redick pointed out that Doncic is naturally creative, which is a significant part of what makes him effective. “He’s full-on and loves to create, and while that requires some patience, it usually leads to good results. For him to grow, he’s got to have that creative element.”