JJ Reddick, Luka Doncic, Los Angeles Lakers
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JJ Reddick and Luka Doncic dap up during a game against the Mavericks.
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick is channeling his inner “Zen Master” in more ways than one since assuming the most high-profile coaching job in the NBA. After Wednesday’s 118-116 win over the San Antonio Spurs, Redick revealed that he has introduced PechaKucha — a storytelling tool where participants use slideshows to share personal stories — to build team chemistry.
Redick revealed the unique method when asked about the Lakers’ palpable chemistry as a team, which has resulted in a 7-2 start to the season.
“It [team chemistry] doesn’t always work this way, but sometimes the things you emphasize and the things that you make a daily priority become your team,” he said, via Spectrum SportsNet. “And that doesn’t always happen, but that was a priority for us coming into this season.
“And whether it’s been some off-court activities, like the PechaKucha, we’re just constantly encouraging and empowering our guys to get connected.”
“I believe that if you’re connected off the floor, you’re connected on the floor,” he continued. “You need a buy-in in to that. I’m not trying to take credit for my staff here. It’s the guys on the team. They’re bought into that, and they’re bought into being a group, a togetherness. It’s fun to coach — it’s really awesome.”
Spectrum SportsNet
“Our group is so connected right now, we were able to get back together, and there was no quitting.”
JJ Redick talks to the media after the #LakeShow wins their 5th straight game, beating the Spurs 118-116.
Luka Doncic Not Thrilled
Despite being the best player on the team, Doncic, like every other teammate, has been asked to share slideshows about his personal life at PechaKucha sessions.
When asked to discuss it, Doncic appeared less than enthusiastic, joking that the PechaKucha isn’t really effective at building chemistry, but he is happy to let Redick continue believing.
“I don’t know if it’s helping — that’s just JJ’s mind,” Doncic said of the PechaKucha.
Dave McMenamin
Luka Doncic explains PechaKucha, introduced by JJ Redick as a kind of ice breaker for the Lakers this season. Players and coaches have done a slide show presentation for one another, sharing photos that represent meaningful people, places and things in their lives.
What Luka Doncic Shared in Slideshow
When asked to share the content of his slideshows, Doncic initially couldn’t remember, but then proceeded to detail his choices.
“First is where I’m from, so Slovenia,” he began. “Then, my home court, where I would do it and spend a lot of time.”
“Are we still in the PechaKucha game?” Doncic wondered, evoking laughter.
“OK, second one — I don’t remember. The third one was a person or a thing that changed your life, so I put my daughter in there, which was pretty easy to put.
“Fourth one — I think it was my favorite basketball moment. I think I put winning a gold medal with my national team. And fifth was dealer’s choice, so I put all my cars. I love my cars. They say I flexed, but I didn’t because it’s my hobby.”
Doncic is averaging 40.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, 9.2 assists and 2.0 steals through his first five games. He’s the first player in NBA history to amass 200 points, 55 rebounds and 46 assists through the first five games of a season.