Mavericks' Anthony Davis sends three-word message to JJ Redick after revenge game vs. Lakers
The narrative surrounding a "revenge game" usually promises fireworks, hostility, and a desire to dismantle a former franchise. Yet, when Dallas Mavericks star Anthony Davis returned to Crypto.com Arena to face the Los Angeles Lakers for the first time since the league-shaking trade that sent him to Texas, the prevailing emotion wasn't animosity—it was respect.
Following the Mavericks' 129-119 loss to the Lakers, Davis was asked about his relationship with Lakers head coach JJ Redick. The former Los Angeles big man, who anchored the franchise’s defense for years before being swapped for Luka Dončić last February, offered a simple, heartfelt three-word message: "That's my guy."
The comment effectively squashed any speculation of bad blood between the superstar forward and his former coach. Davis and Redick spent only a portion of the 2024-25 season together before the blockbuster deadline deal reshaped the Western Conference, but the bond clearly endured. Davis elaborated that while they haven't had a sit-down conversation since the trade, they briefly connected in Las Vegas earlier this year and agreed to catch up properly soon.
"Last year, first-time head coach. It was trying to figure each other out," Davis told reporters, reflecting on Redick’s rookie season on the sidelines. "Trying to figure out what he likes to do, what's his game plan... wishing him the best for sure."
On the court, the night belonged to the Lakers, as Los Angeles spoiled Davis’s return. shaking off the rust from a recent calf injury, Davis posted a modest line of 12 points, five rebounds, and three blocks in limited minutes. While he couldn't deliver a victory for Dallas, his presence was a stark reminder of the defensive identity he has begun to instill in the Mavericks.
For Redick, the feeling appears mutual. The Lakers coach has frequently credited Davis for his professionalism and buy-in during a transitional period for the organization. In a league often defined by player movement and fractured relationships, Davis and Redick demonstrated that business decisions don't always sever personal ties. The jersey has changed, but the respect remains absolute.
Following the Mavericks' 129-119 loss to the Lakers, Davis was asked about his relationship with Lakers head coach JJ Redick. The former Los Angeles big man, who anchored the franchise’s defense for years before being swapped for Luka Dončić last February, offered a simple, heartfelt three-word message: "That's my guy."
The comment effectively squashed any speculation of bad blood between the superstar forward and his former coach. Davis and Redick spent only a portion of the 2024-25 season together before the blockbuster deadline deal reshaped the Western Conference, but the bond clearly endured. Davis elaborated that while they haven't had a sit-down conversation since the trade, they briefly connected in Las Vegas earlier this year and agreed to catch up properly soon.
"Last year, first-time head coach. It was trying to figure each other out," Davis told reporters, reflecting on Redick’s rookie season on the sidelines. "Trying to figure out what he likes to do, what's his game plan... wishing him the best for sure."
On the court, the night belonged to the Lakers, as Los Angeles spoiled Davis’s return. shaking off the rust from a recent calf injury, Davis posted a modest line of 12 points, five rebounds, and three blocks in limited minutes. While he couldn't deliver a victory for Dallas, his presence was a stark reminder of the defensive identity he has begun to instill in the Mavericks.
For Redick, the feeling appears mutual. The Lakers coach has frequently credited Davis for his professionalism and buy-in during a transitional period for the organization. In a league often defined by player movement and fractured relationships, Davis and Redick demonstrated that business decisions don't always sever personal ties. The jersey has changed, but the respect remains absolute.
