JJ Redick shakes the Lakers locker room with a direct message for LeBron and Doncic

JJ Redick is going through intense weeks leading the Lakers. The team, with a Big Three of LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves, still hasn’t found the solid version that could take them closer to the Finals. Several key losses raised alarms, and the coach decided to act.

The head coach met with James and Doncic to address defense, the roster’s weakest point. The conversation with JJ Redick was direct and aimed to hold the stars accountable for a problem affecting the entire group.

The players’ reaction

JJ Redick received a positive response from Doncic, who admitted the coach was right to demand more intensity. The Slovenian acknowledged that leaders must set the tone and that he needs to raise his level on that end of the floor.

“It was good. We talked about a lot – not just that. But he was right. You got to get a little bit more, especially from the star players. So that’s on us, that’s on me.” – Luka Doncic on JJ Redick’s recent meeting where he asked for more on the defensive end from him and LeBron pic.twitter.com/EF9wRTFduz

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) December 17, 2025

The meeting also included LeBron, aware that at 40 he needs a realistic plan to chase one last title. Redick’s message was clear: without defense, there will be no championship chances.

Building around Doncic

JJ Redick knows the Lakers’ project revolves around Doncic, but he also understands the young star doesn’t want to wait too long. Doncic already told management he isn’t interested in a slow rebuild. That pressure forces the coaching staff to speed up adjustments.

According to Sportingnews, the meeting between JJ Redick and the stars reinforced the idea that everyone must commit, not just defensive specialists. The demand is for all five players on the floor to work with the same intensity.

An immediate opportunity

JJ Redick will soon have the chance to see if the message worked. The game against the Jazz will be the first test to check if the Lakers show real defensive change. The coach trusts that the talk with his leaders will mark a turning point.

JJ Redick’s bet is that defensive discipline becomes the engine that brings the Lakers back to the level their fans expect. He knows offensive talent is abundant, but without effort on defense, the path to the title will remain blocked.