Luka Doncic Brings the Laughs Courtside as Lakers Cruise Past Mavericks
Luka Doncic wasn’t in uniform Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena, missing his fourth straight game with a left hamstring strain. But even in street clothes, the Slovenian superstar managed to steal a bit of the spotlight - not with a step-back three, but with some sideline banter that had fans and teammates grinning.
During a timeout in the Lakers’ 124-104 win over the shorthanded Mavericks, head coach JJ Redick - who was mic’d up for the broadcast - strolled over to Doncic and struck up a very JJ Redick kind of conversation: fashion.
“What kind of jacket is that? A blouson jacket?” Redick asked, eyeing Doncic’s fit.
Doncic, quick with the comeback, didn’t miss a beat: “You don’t know anything about style,” he shot back, drawing laughs from Luke Kennard nearby.
Redick kept pushing, trying to pin down the jacket’s category: “It’s not a bomber, it’s not a tour jacket…”
Doncic, clearly amused, kept it simple: “It’s a jacket.” He repeated it several times, trying to shut down the fashion debate with deadpan delivery.
Redick eventually relented - sort of - calling it “a blouson jacket” and complimenting the look. Doncic accepted the praise with a smirk and a “thank you,” as Redick walked away.
The exchange, captured on the NBA’s broadcast and shared widely on social media, was a lighthearted reminder of the connection between player and coach. Redick and Doncic were briefly teammates in Dallas during the 2020-21 season, sharing the court for just 13 games. But that short stint clearly built a foundation for the honest, playful rapport they now enjoy in Los Angeles.
Behind the scenes, there was some hope Doncic might suit up before the All-Star break. Reports indicated he was eager to return, and he even pushed to play against his former team.
But the Lakers’ medical staff didn’t give the green light, opting to play it safe with their franchise player. There’s still a chance he makes a brief appearance during All-Star Weekend - his sixth selection - but Redick wasn’t offering any confirmations.
“That’s above my pay grade,” he said before the game, when asked if Doncic would participate in the All-Star festivities. What he did confirm, however, is that Doncic is expected back in action soon after the break.
In the meantime, the Lakers looked just fine without him. They controlled the game from start to finish, improving to 33-21 on the season. The win sends them into the All-Star break on a high note, with a bit of momentum and - perhaps more importantly - a chance to rest and reset.
The break comes at a good time for the Lakers’ roster. Outside of LeBron James, who continues to defy Father Time, several key pieces could use the downtime to recharge before the stretch run. When they return, they’ll face the Clippers at home on February 20 - a matchup that could carry real weight in the Western Conference standings.
But for now, the vibes are good. The team’s playing well, the bench is loose, and even with Doncic sidelined, he’s still making his presence felt - whether it’s with a no-look dime or a deadpan joke about jackets.