‘Killer mentality’: Luka Doncic best with balance, says Lakers coach
LOS ANGELES — Luka Doncic’s current and former coaches chimed in on his play before the Lakers took on the Mavericks on Tuesday night.
Lakers coach JJ Redick said he hoped Dončić would have a “blackout moment” before a 123-100 victory against the Denver Nuggets, in which Dončić produced 32 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists.
In preparation for a game against his former team, Dončić received a message about balance instead.
“I think with him, he is at his best when he has that balance of joy and playfulness and that killer mentality,” Redick said during his pregame availability. “Just perfectly living in the moment of competition and he will find that tonight.”
This will be the first time Dončić has played against the Mavericks after playing his first seven seasons in the NBA in Dallas.
Former coach Jason Kidd said the Mavericks would try to contain him by making it ‘tough’ on him.
No one knows Doncic better than Kidd, who coached Doncic for over three seasons in Dallas.
“He’s one of the best players in the world. He causes a problem when he’s on the floor,” Kidd said ahead of Tuesday’s game. “The Lakers are fortunate to have him.”
