Luka Dončić has always been one of the NBA’s most expressive stars-whether he's torching defenders, jawing with fans, or letting officials know exactly how he feels about a missed call. But this season, something’s shifted.
The fire’s still there, but the volume? It’s turned down just a notch.
That’s not to say Luka’s gone silent. He’ll still speak up when the moment calls for it.
But overall, the frequency-and intensity-of those mid-game conversations has noticeably dipped. And it’s not just fans picking up on it.
On a recent episode of The Lowe Post, Zach Lowe and guest Mo Dakhil discussed this very evolution. Lowe asked if it felt like Dončić was “whining” less this year.
Dakhil agreed, noting that Luka seems more relaxed, more playful, and-dare we say-more joyful on the court.
You can see it in the way he interacts with opponents like Austin Reaves. There’s a lightness to his game right now, a sense that he’s enjoying the ride a bit more. That’s a big deal for a player who’s carried the weight of superstar expectations since he stepped into the league.
But there’s another piece to this puzzle, and it’s sitting on the Lakers’ bench in a tailored suit: JJ Redick.
Redick’s presence has been a game-changer for Dončić-not just tactically, but emotionally. Luka no longer feels like he has to fight every battle himself.
When a call doesn’t go his way, he can trust that his coach will handle it. That kind of support system matters, especially for a player as passionate and competitive as Dončić.
Lowe pointed out that Luka’s chats with referees aren’t just fewer-they’re shorter. He’s not lingering in the backcourt to argue.
He’s getting back on defense, staying locked in, and letting Redick take the lead when it comes to working the officials. That’s a sign of maturity, but it’s also a reflection of trust.
Dončić knows his coach has his back.
And Redick? He’s not shy about showing it.
There was a moment earlier this season-captured and shared widely on social media-where Redick absolutely lit into a referee on Luka’s behalf. The clip went viral, not just because of Redick’s intensity, but because of what it symbolized: a coach willing to go to war for his star.
That kind of fire from Redick is a stark contrast to the dynamic Dončić had with his former coach, Jason Kidd. The body language between Luka and Kidd during recent Lakers-Mavs matchups has been telling.
No warm greetings. No postgame chats.
In fact, after the Lakers knocked off the Mavericks in NBA Cup action, Kidd made a beeline for the locker room without so much as a handshake.
It’s hard not to notice the difference. With Redick, there’s a visible connection-a shared passion for the game, a mutual respect, and a clear understanding of roles.
Luka plays. Redick coaches.
And when it comes to the officials, Luka can focus on the next possession knowing his coach is already in the ref’s ear.
That kind of synergy can elevate a team. It’s already elevating Dončić.
He’s playing with more freedom, more joy, and more control. And when a player of his caliber finds that balance?
That’s when the special stuff starts to happen.
So while the highlight reels will keep showing the stepbacks, the no-look passes, and the deep threes, don’t overlook what’s happening between the lines. Dončić is growing-not just as a player, but as a leader. And with Redick in his corner, he might just be unlocking a new level of greatness.