Lakers coach JJ Redick relies on Duke mentor Mike Krzyzewski for coaching feedback
Redick credits his former coach with helping him refine his management style as he enters his third season in Los Angeles.
By Ana Castro ·
Lakers head coach JJ Redick attributes his continued adjustment to the role to the ongoing influence of his former Duke coach, Mike Krzyzewski. The two maintain a close personal bond that extends beyond basketball strategy, serving as a primary channel for professional feedback during Redick's tenure in Los Angeles.
Redick has worked with a performance coach since taking the Lakers job in June 2024. He recently identified that some of the internal anger that fueled his playing career became a deterrent in the coaching role. The 42-year-old coach stated that calmness proved more effective than demonstrative anger in holding players accountable.
Krzyzewski, 79, described Redick as someone who is constantly in a state of becoming. He said Redick’s willingness to listen and adapt distinguishes him. The Duke legend noted that he watched a teenage Redick use opposing crowd hostility as mental fuel to become an all-time great college player. Krzyzewski believes that anger remains a useful motivator as long as it does not harm the team dynamic.
The Lakers have started the 2025-26 season with a 7-2 record. The team ranks second in the league in points per game at 121.8 and holds the 17th-best defense, allowing 113.9 points per game. Guard Luka Doncic leads the roster with averages of 38.5 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game.
Redick has guided the Lakers to the 50-win mark in consecutive seasons, a feat matched by only 16 other coaches in NBA history. Only Pat Riley, Paul Westhead, and Butch van Breda Kolff had previously achieved two 50-win seasons in their first two years as Lakers head coaches.
Krzyzewski said he trusts Redick to be honest about his mindset and self-care rather than just game plans. He noted that Redick’s competitive drive was not fully satisfied during his time as a broadcaster, leading to his desire to return to the court. Redick plans to continue using these insights as he prepares for a game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday at Crypto.com Arena.
The coaching relationship began when Krzyzewski mentored Redick at Duke from 2002 to 2006. Redick won two National Player of the Year awards during that period. Duke retired Redick's number 4 jersey in 2007 and inducted him into the Duke Athletics Hall of Fame in 2024.
