‘First a competitor’- JJ Redick explains why Luka Doncic is dominating the NBA

JJ Redick believes Luka Doncic’s remarkable scoring form is driven by something beyond his desire to put up big numbers, insisting the Los Angeles Lakers superstar is motivated first and foremost by winning. Doncic has been in outstanding form during the opening weeks of the 2026-27 NBA season, entering the Lakers’ clash with the Atlanta Hawks averaging a league-leading 40.1 points per game. Los Angeles have also enjoyed an excellent start, winning nine of their first 11 games before facing Atlanta, with Doncic missing two of those victories. JJ Redick explains why Luka Doncic’s scoring spree is about more than points Redick believes Doncic’s competitive nature is the biggest reason behind his performances, with the Lakers head coach explaining that his star player is constantly looking for ways to give the team the best chance of winning. Speaking before the Lakers’ 124-114 victory over the Hawks, Redick told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin: “To me, he is first a competitor. You see it in everything he does throughout his daily life and his existence. He just loves competing. I think when he gets on a basketball court, the first priority is to try to win. And he does a great job figuring out on a night to night basis what levers to pull.” Redick also dismissed the idea that Doncic simply looks to score whenever he gets possession of the ball. “It’s not just hunt, hunt, hunt, hunt [to score]. He reads the game.” That approach was clear against Atlanta, particularly when the Hawks attempted to take the ball out of Doncic’s hands with aggressive double teams. Rather than forcing shots, the Slovenian repeatedly found the right pass and helped the Lakers maintain control of the contest. Doncic finished with 32 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists as Los Angeles secured a 124-114 win, extending their winning streak to six games and improving their record to 10-2. His scoring numbers have naturally attracted attention, but Redick’s comments offer a reminder that there is more to Doncic’s influence than putting the ball in the basket. With the Lakers sitting at the top of the Western Conference, their coach will want his superstar to keep making the right decisions as the season progresses. ‘It’s not easy’: Luka Doncic issues verdict on Cameron Carr after his first points for the Lakers Warriors may have found Stephen Curry’s next star as Yaxel Lendeborg earns major praise ‘No, they do not’: Skip Bayless has something to say about LeBron James after what the Lakers did