Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick has addressed a testy bench exchange with Luka Doncic that was widely shared online. Redick said he didn’t understand why the interaction received so much attention. He made the comments before the Lakers’ 110-101 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday. “I don’t know why it went viral,” Redick stated. “It felt very normal to me.”
Details of the Sideline Incident
The incident occurred during L.A.’s 129-101 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Saturday. Doncic was substituted and walked to his seat without acknowledging Redick’s fist bump. Redick followed Doncic down the sideline. The two exchanged heated words before Redick walked back toward half court.
After Redick moved away, Doncic stood up and continued to express his frustration towards his coach. Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt intervened, stepping between them.
Redick’s Perspective on the Exchange
Redick downplayed the significance of the moment. “I didn’t think much of it at the time, to be honest with you,” Redick said. “I don’t think Luka did either. He and I have a great relationship. I really value our relationship. And I think those things happen. Not every game, but they happen very frequently. And sometimes you have to rehash them with a player, or as a teammate. Sometimes it happens player to player.”
Redick emphasised the competitive nature of the sport. “It’s a competition. And there’s two guys here who, in this case, are trying to win a basketball game and be on the same page about stuff.” L.A. had been on a three-game losing streak heading into the Golden State game, including losses against Orlando and Phoenix.
Sources Downplay Deeper Meaning
A Lakers source dismissed any deeper meaning to the Redick-Doncic moment. The source told ESPN, “Find me a star on a three-game losing streak in the NBA that isn’t frustrated.” A source close to Doncic told ESPN that the two “have a strong, close relationship,” adding that they are “both fiercely competitive and are always pushing each other.”
Doncic finished the Warriors game with 26 points and eight assists. L.A. then won its next game, 128-104 over the Sacramento Kings. Doncic put up 28 points and nine assists in that game.
Dealing With Outside Noise
Redick addressed how he manages external opinions and interpretations, particularly from fans, while focusing on coaching. “It just feels normal, which is probably part of the reason I wanted to coach the Lakers,” Redick said. “I was talking to Luka about it. We were actually laughing about it. I was like, ‘I didn’t feel any tension.’ He was like, ‘Nah, I didn’t care about it.'”
He added, “You do it and you move on. I think the reality is, everybody is going to always have an opinion. Since pro sports have existed, everybody has always had an opinion. There’s been sports talk, there’s been barber shops, chat rooms. Everybody’s had an opinion. Now, everybody’s opinion is more easily accessible. It’s just more amplified now, but it’s normal.”
Redick said he and Doncic were laughing about the incident. He said he didn’t feel any tension and Doncic said he didn’t care about it.