JJ Redick and the Lakers had just wrapped up a road trip they’d probably rather forget—four games, four losses, and a roster that looked more like a patchwork lineup than a competitive squad. Without LeBron James and other key pieces, they never really stood a chance. Now, back in LA and reinforcements in the mix, they once again look good.

The Lakers picked up a much-needed win as the Lakers’ rookie head coach snapped their four-game skid with a 107-96 victory over the Suns at Crypto.com Arena. Luka Dončić took charge, dropping 33 points while adding 11 boards and eight dimes to get LA back on track.

But what stood out most to JJ Redick wasn’t just the win—it was how his team responded after a grueling stretch.

Redick admitted he was stunned by the Lakers’ energy level, given the circumstances. “It is very abnormal for a team to come back from an East Coast trip and that next game a day after the trip, come out with more energy than the other team. And play harder than the other team,” he said post-game.

The team had every reason to be drained after a hard-fought battle without their star duo, resulting in a loss against the Nuggets on Friday night. But they flipped the script instead. “Our locker room—that was dispiriting to lose that game. It was disheartening,” Redick revealed. “And our guys, to come back with an early start and be the harder playing team from the beginning… That, to me, says everything about our group.”

The Lakers also had to adjust to a completely different style of play compared to their recent loss against the Nuggets. “This was such a different game than anything we played recently, and it was particularly like polar opposites of the Denver game,” Redick explained. “In terms of game plan, in terms of what we were trying to get offensively, it was just two very different games.”

Redick credited Dončić and Jaxson Hayes for making an impact, but remained in disbelief over how the entire squad regrouped. “Coming off four losses, our group was phenomenal.”

For a team that had every reason to come out sluggish, the Lakers defied expectations and played with intensity from the jump. Redick’s reaction says it all—this wasn’t just a much-needed win, it was an effort that left even the head coach in awe.

That level of energy was a stark contrast to their brutal road trip, where injuries piled up and the Lakers dropped all four games. LeBron’s absence loomed large, forcing Dončić to take on an even heavier load alongside Austin Reaves.

JJ Redick felt no changes were required in LeBron James’ absence

Even with LeBron sidelined, Redick made one thing clear—the Slovenian wasn’t about to change his approach. “The marching orders for him don’t change if LeBron is out of the lineup,” Redick said before the Lakers faced the Suns. His philosophy was simple: every player has a role, and when they embrace it, they give the team a chance to win.

“Luka has to be Luka … same thing with our guys that are defensive-minded or shooters,” Redick continued. “You just have to be yourself, and you hope there’s enough to fill the gap when guys are out.”

The 5x All-Star, who had been dealing with injuries himself, made his return against Phoenix and wasted no time proving Redick right. He led the charge with 33 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists, and 2 steals, while Reaves chipped in 28 points and strong defensive play. The Lakers also got reinforcements, with Gabe Vincent and Dorian Finney-Smith returning to the lineup.

Meanwhile, Kevin Durant’s 21-point effort wasn’t enough to stop the Suns’ downward spiral. Frustration is mounting in Phoenix, and with their playoff hopes fading, speculation about Durant’s future is heating up.

Since joining LA, Dončić has played 14 games, leading the Lakers to a 9-5 record. With LeBron still out, how far they go depends on just how much Luka can carry.