Lakers Coach J.J. Redick Backs Luka Doncic for NBA MVP

Redick cites Doncic's standout play as Lakers push for playoffs

Mar. 31, 2026 at 4:57pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball game, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the dynamic action on the court.Redick's endorsement of Doncic for MVP reflects the intense competition and debate surrounding the league's top individual honor.Los Angeles Today

Los Angeles Lakers head coach J.J. Redick has publicly endorsed Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic for the NBA's Most Valuable Player award this season. Redick praised Doncic's exceptional play, stating that if the Lakers continue their strong finish and Doncic maintains his current level of performance, Doncic should be named MVP.

Why it matters

The NBA MVP race is typically one of the league's most closely watched and debated awards. Redick's endorsement of Doncic carries weight as an experienced player-turned-coach, and his comments could sway some voters as the season winds down.

The details

Ahead of the Lakers' 120-101 win over the Washington Wizards on Monday, Redick explained his reasoning for backing Doncic for MVP. He said that if the Lakers keep up their current level of play and Doncic continues to perform at an elite level, 'to me, he is the MVP.'

  • The Lakers defeated the Wizards 120-101 on Monday, March 31, 2026.

The players

J.J. Redick

The head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers and a former NBA player.

Luka Doncic

The star guard for the Dallas Mavericks who is considered a leading candidate for the NBA MVP award this season.

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What they’re saying

“If we continue to finish the season the way we're playing right now, and he continues to play that way -- to me, he is the MVP,”

— J.J. Redick, Head Coach, Los Angeles Lakers

The takeaway

Redick's public endorsement of Doncic for MVP highlights the intense competition for the award and the influence that prominent figures in the league can have on the voting process.