Doncic, Lakers embrace Redick's directive to be in top shape - ESPN

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — After making his team run a series of full-court sprints to finish its third day of training camp Thursday, Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick admitted what helped his players' conditioning might have hurt his popularity in the locker room.

«I don't know if they like me right now,» Redick said.

The second-year coach ended his inaugural season on the sideline in L.A. by issuing a directive to his team to get into «championship shape» this offseason, and the training camp drills are only reinforcing the mandate.

Though Redick said the message wasn't aimed at any individual, it clearly was received by 26-year-old superstar Luka Doncic, who transformed his body over the summer with intense workouts and dietary discipline.

«It's not just physical shape, it's mental shape, too,» Doncic said of Redick's approach for his team. «Both are very important. We're doing it in practice. It was great. Everybody's in great shape. Everybody's running a lot, so it's been great so far.»

L.A. ended its last practice before its six-game preseason slate tips off Friday in Palm Desert, California, against the Phoenix Suns with a gamut of lung-pumping runs. Players had to run six court lengths in 34 seconds, followed by a short break; then 10 court lengths in 60 seconds, followed by a short break; and finally, six more court lengths in 34 seconds.

Redick joined the team for the final push.

«I just ran the last six,» said Redick, still flush in the face from the workout, «and I'm good [not running anymore for the day].»

After the Lakers' 50-win season that secured them the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference playoffs was cut short with a first-round exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves in just five games, the increased