TL;DR
- Los Angeles Lakers secured group in NBA In-Season-Tournament, are 2nd seed in Western Conference.
- Luka Dončić is performing at MVP level; Austin Reaves is making All-Star case.
- JJ Redick shows qualities of a top-tier coach, outshot by Dončić in practice.
- Team camaraderie is palpable, translating into game performances and creating enjoyable atmosphere.
The Los Angeles Lakers (14-4) recently secured their group in the NBA In-Season-Tournament and are positioned as the 2nd seed within the highly competitive Western Conference.
Things could not have gotten off to a better start this season for the Purple and Gold.
Luka Dončić is performing at an MVP level, Austin Reaves is solidifying his case for An All-Star selection, and LeBron James has rejoined the team. Furthermore, JJ Redick has demonstrated the qualities of a top-tier coach in the league.
More: The numbers say JJ Redick is the Coach of the Year so far
A highlight of the current season for supporters of the Lakers has been observing the developing rapport within the squad. This connection clearly originates with the leadership, but when combined with an eccentric demeanor from the leading player, it creates an enjoyable atmosphere.
At a Lakers practice session, Luka Dončić seized an opportunity to humiliate his head coach in the presence of reporters.
Luka Dončić outshoots JJ Redick in a shooting exercise
Throughout his tenure in the league, Dončić has gained recognition for his pre-game routines and playful behaviors. He takes pleasure in observing both his fellow players and members of the press express astonishment at his shots from mid-court and occasionally full-court shots.
The Lakers recently held a spirited practice session in El Segundo. Luka ensured the press was prominently present to witness the demonstration he was about to give for his team's head coach.
Luka & JJ: ALWAYS competing 😂 pic.twitter.com/0AsUvSukVR
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) November 29, 2025
Dončić significantly outperformed his former expert shooting coach in a half-court shooting contest, winning by a margin of three to zero.
The camaraderie among this squad during training sessions is palpable, and this positive dynamic is clearly translating into their game performances. Being able to jest about the challenging stretch of games from December through January will provide a significant mental advantage as May and, one hopes, June approach.
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