JJ Redick Gets Perfect Gift From Lakers After Preseason Win

After two tries, the Los Angeles Lakers have finally secured their first win in the 2024 NBA preseason, as they defeated the Milwaukee Bucks Thursday night, 107-102. But it was more than just a victory in what was essentially a glorified practice game. For one, it gave JJ Redick his first coaching win in the NBA.

Hired by the Lakers to be Darvin Ham’s successor, Redick has a ton of pressure on his shoulders to deliver the goods right away for the Purple & Gold franchise. While a preseason victory doesn’t carry much weight, the win over the Bucks will be remembered for its significance with regards to Redick’s coaching career.

Making the night even more memorable for Redick was the gesture he got from the team after the game.

“The Lakers gave JJ Redick the game ball after his first coaching win Thursday,” Dave McMenamin of ESPN shared on X (formerly Twitter).

The Lakers, who lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves and Phoenix Suns in their first couple of preseason outings, leaned on a big fourth quarter to escape Milwaukee with a W. Los Angeles trailed the Bucks by eight points at the start of the final period, but the Lakers dropped 33 points in the quarter to just Milwaukee’s 20.

Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht led his team with 13 points off the bench, while three other LA players had 11 points each.

Up ahead for the Lakers is a date with the Golden State Warriors in Las Vegas on Oct. 15.

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