JJ Redick Had Jokes for Luka After He Dropped 45 on His Former Team 😂

Luka Dončić is no stranger to putting up ridiculous stat lines, but when he dropped 45 points on the New Orleans Pelicans last night, it hit a little different—especially for one guy watching from the sidelines: JJ Redick.

Now retired and comfortably settled into his second act as an NBA analyst and podcast host, Redick couldn’t help but poke fun at Luka after the Mavs star torched the team JJ once suited up for. And in true Redick fashion, the jokes came quick, clever, and just the right amount of petty. 😂

A Little Backstory

JJ Redick played the final seasons of his career with the New Orleans Pelicans before finishing things off in Dallas alongside Luka in 2021. Though his time with the Mavs was short and impacted by injury, he got a front-row seat to Luka’s greatness—and he’s never been shy about his admiration for the young superstar.

Since hanging up his sneakers, Redick’s been one of the most insightful voices covering the league. Whether on ESPN or his Old Man and the Three podcast, JJ blends sharp basketball IQ with just enough sarcasm to keep things spicy. So when Luka went off for 45 points, 12 assists, and 8 rebounds against the Pels, Redick couldn’t resist.

The Joke Heard Around NBA Twitter

As Luka’s step-backs were splashing and the Pelicans’ defense was scrambling, Redick took to social media:

“Luka took it personally that I ever played for the Pelicans 😂”

The tweet instantly went viral. Fans loved it. Luka even “liked” the post, adding fuel to the banter. But of course, JJ didn’t stop there. On his next podcast episode, he doubled down:

“I’m not saying Luka saw my Pelicans jersey in the rafters—because, you know, it’s not there—but the way he cooked them? That felt personal.”

Classic Redick. Tongue-in-cheek, but sharp enough to sting just a little.

Luka’s Response? Just Smirks.

After the game, when asked about Redick’s comments, Luka smirked and said:

“JJ’s funny. He knows I love him. Maybe I was just trying to impress him a little.”

And there it is—the mutual respect between two hoop junkies who speak the same basketball language. Luka, never one to take himself too seriously, knows Redick’s humor is part of what makes him such a beloved figure in today’s media landscape. And let’s be honest, if Luka was trying to impress JJ, he did a pretty solid job.

More Than Just Jokes

Beneath the laughs, there’s something deeper at play here. JJ Redick has become one of Luka’s biggest advocates. He constantly praises Luka’s skill, toughness, and competitive fire. While many media figures have tried to nitpick Luka’s defense or emotions on the court, Redick consistently reminds fans of the bigger picture: that Dončić is a generational player doing historic things, night after night.

It’s why Redick’s jokes land the way they do—they come from a place of respect, not ridicule. It’s not “laughing at Luka,” it’s laughing with him… after watching him dismantle defenses with surgical precision.

The Fans Eat It Up

Fans, of course, love this kind of moment. The combination of insane basketball brilliance and off-court banter is part of what makes the modern NBA so entertaining. JJ’s jokes, Luka’s smirk, the shared history—it’s all part of the story fans get to enjoy beyond the box score.

In a league that sometimes takes itself too seriously, moments like these are a breath of fresh air. They remind us that the game is fun. That rivalries can have humor. And that dropping 45 on your friend’s old team is fair game for a little shade.