What happened: JJ Redick declined to discuss Luka Doncic's place in the NBA GM MVP poll. Redick said his rule is to avoid awards conversation until 50 games into the season. The timeline points to a Jan. 30 road date in New York.

Why it matters: The exchange follows Redick's past displeasure with Doncic's standing last spring. Holding off on awards talk keeps preseason focus on camp and rotation work entering the 2026-27 season. Early MVP polling still frames expectations around Doncic's start to the season.

What to watch: Los Angeles continues preseason before opening the 2026-27 schedule. The January trip to New York marks the next checkpoint for the awards question.