It hasn't even been a year since Luka Doncic became a Los Angeles Laker, with the trade happening on February 2nd, 2025. However, he's already looking like his usual self with the Lakers this season, averaging 33.8 points, 8.8 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per game as he looks in line to win his second scoring title this season.

Doncic might be able to put up points whenever he wants, which is great for the Lakers, but he's also one of the league's most gifted passers, which helps the Lakers even more. Averaging 9.6 assists per game over his last five contests, head coach JJ Redick recognizes the value his playmaking brings to the team.

After the team's victory over the Chicago Bulls on Monday, Redick was asked about Doncic's remarkable playmaking, as he finished the night with 12 assists.

"You know, similar to like some of the heat checks. I've talked about this; he's an engine that's fully on, and he likes to create out there, and that's part of what makes him a great player. I think because I played with him, I have a pretty good understanding of that," Redick said.

Redick spent just a brief time as Doncic's teammate, playing 13 games for the Dallas Mavericks in the final season of his 15-year career in 2020-21. However, it was enough for Redick to see what the star guard was capable of, and he is now able to translate that into coaching him just a few years later.

"You have to be willing to live with some of the stuff that he tries because, more often than not, you're going to get a great result, and he had some great passes; he made some amazing shots. There's that creative element that he needs to thrive, and you got to allow that," he added.

Those drawbacks that Redick refers to are Doncic's league-high 4.3 turnovers per game, with the next closest being Cade Cunningham and Deni Avdija at 3.9 per contest. However, when Doncic gets hot with his passing and shot-making, fans are quick to forget the mishaps he may have had in the process.

Nikola Jokic still holds the crown as the best offensive "engine" in the NBA, but Doncic isn't far behind in second place with what he's able to do as a scorer and playmaker. The Lakers are lucky that he fell in their laps, and should be actively working ahead of the trade deadline to surround him with more talent for a deep playoff run.