Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick has responded to a sideline incident with Luka Doncic, asserting that he views it as a normal occurrence.
Redick stated he was unsure why the exchange had attracted so much attention. “I don’t know why it went viral,” Redick said. “It felt very normal to me.”
Details of the Sideline Exchange
The incident took place during L.A.’s 129-101 victory over the Golden State Warriors. Doncic was subbed out of the game. He then walked to his seat without acknowledging Redick’s fist bump.
Redick followed Doncic down the sideline, and the two exchanged heated words before Redick moved away. Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt then stepped in to create space between them. He stood up from his seat and clapped his hands.
Redick’s Perspective on the Incident
Redick downplayed the significance of the exchange. “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.”
He added such interactions are not uncommon. “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.”
A Lakers source dismissed any deeper meaning behind 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.” L.A. had been on a three-game losing streak going into the Golden State game.
Doncic’s Camp Comments on Relationship
A source close to Doncic told ESPN that the two “have a strong, close relationship.” The source added that they are “both fiercely competitive and are always pushing each other.”
Doncic finished the Warriors game with 26 points and eight assists. In L.A.’s next game, a 128-104 win over the Sacramento Kings, Doncic put up 28 points and nine assists.
Dealing with External Opinions
Redick addressed how he handles outside opinions. He spoke of focusing on coaching amidst fan interpretations of the sideline moment.
“It just feels normal, which is probably part of the reason I wanted to coach the Lakers,” Redick said. He added that he and Doncic had laughed about the situation. “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.'”
Redick acknowledged the prevalence of opinions in sports. “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 concluded that he and Doncic are moving past the incident. “You do it and you move on.”