Lakers' Redick holds an NBA first

Jeremy Beren

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JJ Redick already owns an NBA record with the Lakers image

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

TL;DR

  • Lakers defeated Clippers 135-118 in NBA Cup, with Luka Doncic scoring 43 points and 13 assists.
  • The win improved the Lakers' record to 13-4, placing them second in the Western Conference.
  • Coach JJ Redick extended his league record for winning percentage when leading after three quarters.
  • Redick, with a 63-36 record over two seasons, is proving a wise choice despite initial skepticism.

The Los Angeles Lakers continued their impressive start to the 2025-26 NBA season on Tuesday night.

With Luka Doncic scoring 43 points and dishing out 13 assists for a double-double, the Lakers defeated their city rivals Clippers at Crypto.com Arena. This 135-118 win in the NBA Cup moves the Lakers' record to 13-4, placing them second in the Western Conference.

This further validates the Lakers' choice to bring on second-year head coach JJ Redick in 2024, a move that initially drew skepticism and sharp disapproval from certain NBA circles.

In fact, the Lakers' win over the Clippers saw Redick extend a league record he already owned.

When the Lakers hold a lead entering the final quarter, they're exceptionally difficult to defeat.

Entering Tuesday night's game, the Lakers held a 56-4 record under Redick when leading after three quarters.

That mark improved to 57-4 on Tuesday, as the Lakers -- ahead by five after three quarters -- pulled away in the fourth for a 17-point win.

The 93.4 winning percentage when ahead going into the fourth quarter is the highest that any NBA coach has ever accrued with a minimum of 60 games coached.

Having played 15 years in the NBA, Redick now holds a 63-36 coaching record over two seasons. He's proving to be a wise choice for the head coaching position, even with earlier doubts stemming from his prior career as an analyst and podcaster.

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Editorial Team