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Par Pierre-Andréa Fraile | Journaliste sportif
Last year’s runner-up, Luka Doncic will not be repeating the feat with the Lakers this season. But while his future in L.A. is in question, the Slovenian spoke out… about JJ Redick, whose methods clearly remind him of what he knew in Europe.
Since his arrival in the NBA, he has demonstrated his ability to shine in high-stakes games. Lakers fans could therefore be relatively confident ahead of Wednesday’s Game 5 against the Timberwolves. The problem was that Luka Doncic didn’t quite live up to his reputation in this game, as he was unable to avoid defeat and his team’s elimination. This raises questions about his future.
Luka Doncic as in Europe with JJ Redick
Once again criticized for his behavior against the Wolves, Doncic did his team-mates no favors with his porous defense. As a result, some of the team’s die-hard fans almost regretted his arrival during the season. His managers, however, will have the opportunity to extend his contract this summer. A matter he said he had not yet considered in a press conference:
Luka Doncic: Honestly, I haven’t taken the time to think about it yet. Up until now, I’ve been focused on basketball. But yes, now it’s time to think about it.
As a reminder, the Slovenian guard had a very hard time of it when he left Dallas last February… and wasn’t exactly consoled by the Lakers’ playoff run. Despite this, he insists he feels well integrated in Los Angeles:
Luka Doncic: My first few months here have been great. The fans and the community have really accepted me. I’m very happy to be here, even if I’m still trying to learn about the team and the city and digest everything.
At ease in the City of Angels, Luka would also be at home in the Angelino dressing room and system, thanks in particular to JJ Redick.
So, while the latter seemed to criticize his physical condition in his post-match speech, Doncic was delighted with their good understanding and the young coach’s methods, supposedly similar to those widespread in Europe:
Luka Doncic: I think he’s a hell of a coach. Not many coaches have managed to do what he did in their first year in charge. I’m really happy to have been under him for those two months. Sometimes I feel like I’m back in Europe with him, so I love it. We have a really good relationship, so I’m delighted to have him as my coach.
Unlike a section of Lakers Nation, irritated by Redick’s tactical choices, the former Maverick is among his supporters. This suggests that the Purple & Gold coach will keep his job this summer, despite his recent setbacks.
