Anthony Davis delivers heartfelt 3-word message to JJ Redick after emotional showdown vs Los Angeles Lakers | NBA News
The bonds between NBA players and coaches often extend beyond team changes or on-court battles. Even when careers move in different directions, genuine respect can remain intact – something Anthony Davis made clear after he faced off against his former team.Friday’s matchup between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers wasn’t just another regular-season game. For Anthony Davis, who was traded last season in one of the biggest deals of the year, it carried emotional weight. Not only was he up against the franchise he once anchored, but he was also competing against JJ Redick, the first NBA head coach he ever played under.
Anthony Davis Delivers a Three-Word Message to His Former Coach
Following the Mavericks’ loss to the Lakers, Anthony Davis was asked about Redick and his experience competing against him for the first time since the trade. His response was simple but telling: “That’s my guy.”Davis went on to explain that despite the distance and the changes, his relationship with jj Redick remains strong. The two haven’t had the chance to sit down and talk this season, but Davis recalled a brief interaction they shared in Las Vegas when their teams met earlier. According to him, both expressed interest in having a longer conversation at some point.He reflected on their time together during Redick’s debut season as a head coach in 2024-25, describing it as a period where both sides were still learning each other. Davis said Redick was figuring out his coaching style and preferred systems, while he was simultaneously trying to understand the game plans and how they applied to him and the rest of the roster. He made sure to add that despite no longer playing for him, he wishes Redick “the best for sure.”
JJ Redick’s Challenge: Coaching Against His Former Star
The game likely came with mixed emotions for JJ Redick. Anthony Davis was a force in his first season under Redick, putting up elite two-way numbers: 25.7 points, 11.9 rebounds, 2.1 blocks, and 1.3 steals per game across 42 appearances. He shot an efficient 52.8% from the field and played a major role in keeping the Lakers competitive before the trade deadline.Yet on February 2, the Lakers made the blockbuster decision to send Davis to Dallas in exchange for 26-year-old superstar Luka Doncic – a move that reshaped both franchises.
Anthony Davis Faces His Old Team in a “Revenge” Matchup
Naturally, Davis entered Friday’s matchup with extra motivation. But while he contributed 12 points, five rebounds, five assists, and three blocks, the Los Angeles Lakers ultimately secured a 10-point win, leaving his revenge incomplete.Also read: NBA star Josh Hart robbed as $185K jewelry heist targets New York Knicks guard in a shocking SoHo incidentStill, the bigger takeaway wasn’t the final score. It was the reminder that despite the trade and the competitive fire on the court, Anthony Davis and JJ Redick continue to share mutual respect and support as they move forward in their NBA journeys.
