Lakers' JJ Redick Says Luka Doncic Will 'Be Fine' Facing Mavericks: 'I’ve Been There'

Luka Dončić will face his former team for the first time in his career Tuesday when his Los Angeles Lakers host the Dallas Mavericks in a highly anticipated showdown, and he can at least turn to his head coach for some advice.

After all, JJ Redick laced it up for six different teams during his playing career and is no stranger to going against a former club.

"I think he'll be fine," Redick said of Dončić, per Jovan Buha of The Athletic. "Every day that he's been with us it's becoming a little more normal. I've been there. The first time you play your old team, particularly this close in time duration, it's going to be weird. But he'll be OK."

While Redick can relate, there are still some obvious differences.

The Lakers coach was more of a role player for much of his career and was never the center of attention. By comparison, Dončić was the face of the franchise for the Mavericks and well on his way to becoming a Dallas icon before the team shockingly traded him earlier this month.

But Tuesday's game is in Los Angeles. It will be the Lakers' trip to Dallas on April 9 that really stands out, as Mavericks fans will have the opportunity to welcome him back with open arms and warm cheers.

They surely will if their reaction to the trade was any indication, as the front office moving Dončić sparked protests and "Fire Nico" chants directed at general manager Nico Harrison.

That return trip to Dallas looms, but Dončić will still be the center of the basketball universe Tuesday when he takes on his former team.