LeBron James added another historic milestone to his legendary career, 

becoming the first player in NBA history to surpass 50,000 combined points between the regular season and playoffs. 

The Los Angeles Lakers continued their dominant stretch, securing a decisive 136-115 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, marking their seventh consecutive win. 

However, the night wasn’t just about LeBron’s record-breaking feat. 

A lighthearted moment involving rookie Dalton Knecht resulted in an unexpected reaction from head coach JJ Redick—one that fans rarely see.

A Missed Alley-Oop and a Rare Reaction From Redick

During the third quarter, LeBron electrified the crowd with a spectacular running alley-oop slam, set up by a perfectly placed lob from Dalton Knecht. 

It was a highlight moment that showcased the chemistry between the veteran superstar and the promising rookie. Moments later, LeBron attempted to return the favor by setting Knecht up for his own alley-oop finish. However, instead of adding another show-stopping dunk to the night, LeBron’s pass went astray, leading to an unfortunate turnover.

Typically, a head coach—especially one as detail-oriented as JJ Redick—would react with frustration to such a mistake. However, in a surprising turn, Redick found himself laughing instead.

“I laughed, I laughed,” Redick admitted. “It was one of the few turnovers all season that I’ve actually laughed at, but I like the intent.”

For a coach who has emphasized discipline and precision all season, this reaction was highly unusual. But it wasn’t just about the turnover—it was about what it represented. The bond developing between LeBron and Knecht, the trust being built within the team, and the willingness to take creative risks on the court made the moment more meaningful than a simple lost possession.

The Pelicans’ Frustration Boils Over

The night wasn’t all lighthearted, however. The competitive fire between the Lakers and Pelicans flared up later in the third quarter when Knecht attempted a fastbreak dunk. As he soared toward the rim, Pelicans’ Bruce Brown made contact with his shoulder mid-air, causing the rookie to crash hard to the floor.

Luka Dončić, who was nearby, immediately stepped in and shoved Brown’s hands away, escalating the situation. Before long, Jarred Vanderbilt also intervened aggressively, forcing Redick to step in and pull him back. The officials reviewed the play and handed out a flagrant foul to Brown, along with technical fouls to both Vanderbilt and Brown. Under NBA rules, these infractions also came with automatic fines.

Building a Culture of Trust and Respect

Following the game, Redick took the opportunity to highlight how the team’s reaction reflected two of the Lakers’ core values—trust and respect.

“It fits right in with what we emphasize—trust and respect,” Redick explained. “Having your teammates’ back builds trust. Showing a level of respect to your teammate when they’re down and stepping in to support them is great.”

This was more than just an on-court scuffle; it was a sign of the growing camaraderie within the Lakers’ locker room. Redick has been vocal about instilling a culture of accountability and unity, and this moment showcased those principles in action.

LeBron’s Leadership and the Lakers’ Resurgence

LeBron James’ presence on the court continues to be the driving force behind the Lakers’ success. His ability to blend leadership with high-level play at 39 years old remains a marvel. The milestone of 50,000 total points is just another testament to his longevity and dominance in the league.

But beyond the numbers, LeBron’s connection with younger teammates like Knecht is crucial to the team’s chemistry. Encouraging the rookie to take risks, supporting him even when mistakes happen, and demonstrating trust are all part of what makes LeBron such a respected leader.

The Lakers’ resurgence in recent weeks has not been a fluke. Their seven-game winning streak is a result of improved chemistry, disciplined execution, and a shared commitment to Redick’s philosophy. The trust and respect the players have for each other are translating into success on the court, and if this momentum continues, the Lakers could be a serious threat in the postseason.

Looking Ahead

As the Lakers continue their push toward the playoffs, the lessons from this game will only strengthen their bond. Redick’s decision to laugh off LeBron’s turnover rather than scold him reflects his understanding of the bigger picture—this is a team growing together, developing chemistry, and learning from every experience.

Meanwhile, the Pelicans’ frustration led to penalties and a moment of tension, but for the Lakers, it served as another test of their unity. If they continue to trust and support one another as they did in this game, their championship aspirations will remain well within reach.

Follow us to see more useful information, as well as to give us more motivation to update more useful information for you.