In the midst of a three-game win streak, the Los Angeles Lakers are once again hitting their stride as they gear up for the second half of the season. In third place in the Western Conference, the team is in a great position with All-Star Weekend a little over a month away. While explosive performances from LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves have paved the way, head coach JJ Redick has been the steady, guiding hand behind the team’s success.

There were concerns about how Redick would fare as a head coach before he took over. He didn’t have previous coaching experience and was more focused on his successful podcast, but he has shut just about everyone up through two and a half seasons. In the Lakers’ most recent win, over the New Orleans Pelicans, Redick made a quick move to bench Deandre Ayton following a lazy play.

LeBron James disregards JJ Redick’s instructions from time to time

Redick isn’t afraid to show a strong arm when necessary, even if it means upsetting his star players. But James, in particular, has some leeway that other players wouldn’t have. Redick admitted as much in the postgame press conference, saying that James shakes off some of the coach’s suggestions at times.

“He’s Greg Maddux at the end of his career. Every night he doesn’t have his best stuff, but he has enough to win. I’m his catcher, I’ve gotta figure out how to call the pitches. Sometimes he tells me to F off and he calls his own pitch, which is fine too.“

While some may take it as James overruling his head coach, it’s actually a great sign of trust between the two. Considering that they’re both the same age, James has the same wisdom that Redick has from his playing and coaching career. Rebounding thoughts off of one another is key for their relationship to thrive.