JJ Redick sounds off on what he expects from Luka Doncic's first Mavericks-Lakers game

Redick believes it'll be a weird experience for Doncic.

Feb 22, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick looks on from the sideline during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images | Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers host the Dallas Mavericks for the first time since they were gifted Luka Doncic before the trade deadline. Emotions are bound to be high, as the trade just happened a little over three weeks ago, and people on all sides are still being asked about the trade.

Luka Doncic will be feeling the most emotions, as he has been for the last few weeks. Mavericks GM Nico Harrison traded him in the middle of the night without warning and has done nothing but slander him since then. Doncic would love nothing more than to prove a point against him, but he also likely still has a lot of love for his former teammates.

READ MORE: Mavericks front office ranked near bottom of the NBA in aftermath of Luka Doncic trade

Lakers coach JJ Redick was traded a few times, including to the Mavericks, for his final stop as a player, where he spent a few months as a teammate of Doncic. He knows what the feeling is like, and knows what to expect in this.

“I think he’ll be fine,” Redick said, via Jovan Buha of The Athletic. “Every day that he’s been with us, it’s becoming a little more normal. I’ve been there. The first time you play your old team, particularly this close in time duration, it’s going to be weird. But he’ll be ok.”

This game may not be as weird as when Doncic returns to Dallas in April, but the energy and emotions should be running high from the jump. Tip-off should be a little after 9 p.m. CST in Los Angeles.

READ MORE: Former Mavericks coach defends Luka Doncic's work ethic

Stick with MavericksGameday for more FREE coverage of the Dallas Mavericks throughout the 2024-25 Season

Follow MavericksGameday on Twitter and Austin Veazey on Twitter

More Dallas Mavericks News

• Lakers waive former Dallas Maverick to sign former Top 5 pick

• Report: Mavericks showed interest in three-time All-Star

• Former Mavericks executive goes off on Patrick Dumont over Luka Doncic remarks

• Luka Doncic’s father says that his son has already moved on from Mavericks-Lakers trade