What happened: ESPN's Shams Charania said Luka Doncic and JJ Redick "actually played together in Dallas," adding that the two "can talk to each other in ways that not many players and coaches can talk to each other." Charania gave the read on the Lakers on The Pat McAfee Show.

Why it matters: Doncic is in his third season under Redick. The Lakers sit 6-2 in 2026-27 through 8 games, fourth in the seed race and on a two-game winning streak.

What to watch: Redick has said he will hold off on MVP talk for Doncic until the 50-game mark.