Redick 'challenged' star trio before win over Grizzlies
Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick held a meeting with LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves ahead of Saturday's clash with the Memphis Grizzlies, hoping to spark the team's intensity levels and offense.
It worked - the star trio combined for 85 points and 25 assists in the 134-127 victory.
"We challenged all three of them when we get to their three-man actions to play with a little more force and a little more thrust and a little more creativity," Redick told ESPN's Dave McMenamin about Saturday morning's meeting in Memphis.
Reaves led the way with 31 points on 5-of-8 shooting from deep, paired with eight assists and seven rebounds. Doncic poured in 29 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds, while James finished with 25 points, eight assists, and six boards. Los Angeles finished the four-game road trip with a 2-2 split.
"We played as well as we've played so far, offensively," Redick added.
The Lakers shot 50.6% from the field and 44.2% from beyond the arc on 43 attempts.
"I think the meeting was just still trying to build that chemistry amongst the three of us to help the team be successful," Reaves said. "Tonight, it just showed that when we play the right way and trust one another, especially offensively, we can have open looks on almost every possession."
James looked particularly inspired in his fifth game back since missing seven contests due to a strained left groin.
"He was an incredible leader tonight," Redick said. "And it was early. It was throughout the game. When we got down, I challenged the group in a timeout and he was as vocal as he's been since he got back from injury."
Reaves was also impressed by James' timeout address. "It was the first time I've heard him yell in a while," he said. "It was refreshing, to be honest. I loved it."
The Lakers are 45-29 with eight contests left on the schedule, all against Western Conference opposition. They now hold a half-game lead over fifth-placed Memphis and the tiebreaker after winning the season series.