The Los Angeles Lakers have always been a team that draws attention both on and off the court, but recent weeks have seen the squad take their chemistry to a new level—thanks in no small part to the efforts of head coach JJ Redick and the ever-competitive Luka Doncic. With the NBA season deep into its grind, the Lakers have been finding creative ways to build connections despite the notorious sprawl of Southern California, where players’ homes can be hours apart and traffic is a daily battle.
Redick, reflecting on his own days as a Los Angeles Clipper, put it bluntly: “Los Angeles is probably one of, if not the hardest markets for guys to connect. Because guys are spread out, it takes an hour to get anywhere.” He reminisced about his time in Orlando, where teammates lived close enough to make post-practice hangouts a breeze. “You live in Orlando, (you) play in Orlando. We all lived in Windermere when I first started.”
That challenge hasn’t stopped the Lakers from seeking camaraderie. The latest example? A spirited golf outing on March 22, 2026, in Orlando, just before the team flew north for a matchup with the Detroit Pistons. This wasn’t just any casual round—the event pitted players against coaches in a scramble, and, as Redick described it, was “another opportunity for natural team-building exercises.”
The idea for the outing sparked about three weeks prior, when Luka Doncic announced he wanted to become a golfer. From there, the trash talk started flowing, according to Redick, and the team’s competitive juices kicked in. The Sunday morning event featured Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Luke Kennard, Bronny James, and LeBron James teeing off for the players, while Redick and his staff made up the opposition.
Austin Reaves, already known for his love of golf, was a standout performer. Doncic, ever the showman, made the most of the occasion by switching between an all-orange Jordan Brand outfit and a sleeveless all-white shirt—apparently to “work on his tan,” Redick joked. The group’s chemistry was on full display, with laughter, friendly jabs, and a bit of controversy to spice things up.
As the match heated up on the 18th hole, the players found themselves at 10-under, but not without a little drama. Redick recounted the moment in his pregame press conference: “Bronny hit three balls off the tee. One of them landed on the green, par 3 and he happened to say that was his first ball. So I’m not sure what was going on.” The players ultimately claimed victory, though Redick couldn’t resist suggesting some “questionable” tactics may have been in play. Still, the real win was the sense of unity and fun that the outing fostered.
This focus on togetherness comes at a pivotal time for the Lakers, who have been riding a wave of on-court success. On March 23, 2026, Luka Doncic was named Western Conference Player of the Week for the second consecutive time, a testament to his explosive impact since joining the Lakers. Over the previous week, Doncic averaged a staggering 42.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game, leading the team to a perfect 4-0 record from March 16 to March 22.
Doncic’s efficiency has been off the charts—he shot 50% from the field and 39% from beyond the arc during that stretch, while also averaging three steals per game. The highlight? A jaw-dropping 60-point performance against Miami, marking his first 60-point game as a Laker. That outburst not only thrilled fans but also cemented Doncic’s place among the league’s elite, as he continues to rack up individual accolades.
Monday’s award marked the fourth time this season that Doncic has been honored as Player of the Week, and the 19th such recognition in his nine-year NBA career. It’s a remarkable achievement that speaks to his consistency and star power. According to the NBA’s official announcement, Doncic’s leadership has been a driving force behind the Lakers’ recent surge, with his playmaking and scoring lifting the squad to new heights.
But the Lakers’ story isn’t just about their stars. The return of backup big man Maxi Kleber on March 23 added another layer of optimism for the team. Kleber, sidelined since March 8 with a lumbar back strain, missed several key games in Houston, Miami, and Orlando as he worked his way back to health. He stayed sharp by practicing with the G-League’s South Bay Lakers on March 19, and his availability for the Detroit game was a welcome boost to the Lakers’ frontcourt depth.
Redick’s approach to fostering chemistry has involved more than just golf. He’s encouraged the team to embrace a range of off-court activities, from dinners to casual games of pickleball, all in the name of building trust and camaraderie. “It was part of like, we got to do more together, whether that was pickleball or obviously there’s opportunities on the road that different guys throughout the season have had a dinner,” Redick explained. “I’m sure there’s been some nighttime activities that have happened throughout the year.”
In a city where logistics can make friendship feel like a full-time job, these efforts have not gone unnoticed. The Lakers’ ability to bond on the road—whether it’s trash-talking on the golf course or sharing a meal in a distant city—has become a defining feature of their season. It’s a testament to the leadership of veterans like LeBron James and the infectious energy of rising stars like Bronny James and Austin Reaves.
As the Lakers prepare for the next phase of their campaign, the focus remains on maintaining momentum both on and off the hardwood. With Doncic in MVP-caliber form, Kleber back in the rotation, and the team’s chemistry at an all-time high, fans have plenty of reason for optimism. The Lakers’ blend of talent, experience, and togetherness could make them a formidable force as the playoffs approach.
For now, the Lakers are savoring their recent successes and looking ahead to more opportunities—on the court and on the fairway. With a united locker room and a superstar leading the charge, the Lakers’ journey is one that has the basketball world watching closely. The action continues, and if recent weeks are any indication, this team is just getting started.