“JJ Redick Sends Scary Warning to Luka Doncic’s Opponents: ‘You’re Going to Die’ in Drop Coverage!”
The Los Angeles Lakers secured their sixth straight victory by defeating the LA Clippers on Sunday night, with Luka Doncic leading the charge, scoring 29 points and dishing out 9 assists. As Doncic continues to adapt to his new team, head coach JJ Redick reflected on how the Lakers plan to adjust their strategy to maximize his playmaking.
Drop Coverage Against Doncic: A Dangerous Strategy
Redick discussed how opposing teams are wary of giving Luka any space, particularly in pick-and-roll situations. He warned that playing drop coverage against the Slovenian star is a risky move: “If you play drop coverage against him, you’re going to die.” In drop coverage, defenders back off, allowing the ball handler or roller to penetrate the paint. Given Doncic’s ability to score from any level and make crosscourt passes, this approach can be deadly.
JJ Redick:
“The nature of playing with Luka Doncic is if you play drop coverage against him, you’re going to die.”
(h/t @ohnohedidnt24)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) March 3, 2025
Adjusting to Defensive Strategies
Looking ahead, Redick emphasized that the Lakers need to prepare for defensive teams that will either rattle or blitz Doncic. In a blitz, defenders aim to limit Doncic’s ability to find teammates in the paint, which could open up opportunities for his teammates on the perimeter. Redick believes the Lakers can exploit these defensive schemes by playing lineups where the screener can pick-and-pop, maximizing Doncic’s ability to handle double teams.
Luka’s Offensive Impact
Doncic’s numbers have dipped slightly from last season due to injury, but his ability to create plays remains impactful. With an average of 10.6 pick-and-roll actions per game, he continues to generate significant offense. Despite his slight decline in efficiency, Doncic remains one of the top players in the pick-and-roll game.
The Future with LeBron and Doncic
Until the Lakers acquire a true center, the partnership between LeBron James and Luka Doncic will continue to be a force. When LeBron screens for Luka, teams must decide whether to contain LeBron’s roll or focus on limiting Doncic’s perimeter offense. The duo’s synergy has played a key role in the Lakers’ 7-1 record since acquiring Doncic.
