Redick and Doncic's Relationship Amid On-Court Exchange
Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick has addressed a widely circulated heated exchange with star player Luka Doncic, describing their interaction as "very normal" and emphasizing their strong relationship.
Prior to Saturday's game against the Golden State Warriors, the Lakers were enduring a three-game losing streak but held a comfortable lead when Doncic was substituted late in the first quarter. The 27-year-old Slovenian player notably avoided a fist bump from Redick as he proceeded to the bench. Redick then followed Doncic along the sideline, leading to a verbal exchange between the two before Redick returned toward half court.
As Redick walked away, Doncic stood and spoke further in his direction. Lakers teammate Jarred Vanderbilt also rose, seemingly to encourage the team but also positioning himself between the two. Doncic subsequently sat back down shortly after.
Redick's Comments on the Viral Incident
Speaking ahead of Tuesday's 110-101 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, Redick downplayed the incident's viral spread.
"I don't know why it went viral. It felt very normal to me.
"I didn't think much of it at the time, to be honest with you. I don't think Luka did either."
At the time of the exchange, Doncic had accumulated four points and three assists. He returned to the game to finish with a team-high 26 points on Saturday. The six-time All-Star then scored another game-high 27 points in the Lakers' third consecutive win on Tuesday, helping maintain their sixth position in the Western Conference standings.
"He and I have a great relationship," Redick added. "I really value our relationship. And I think those things happen. Not every game, but they happen very frequently.
"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."
Other NBA Results
In other Western Conference action on Tuesday, the Oklahoma City Thunder, leading the conference, defeated the Chicago Bulls 116-108. The second-placed San Antonio Spurs dominated the Philadelphia 76ers with a 131-91 victory.
Meanwhile, in the Eastern Conference, the Detroit Pistons, who top the standings, were narrowly defeated 113-109 by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Jaylon Tyson contributed 22 points for the Cavaliers, while new signing James Harden added 18 points. The third-placed New York Knicks capitalized on the result with a 111-95 win over the Toronto Raptors.
Antetokounmpo rusty on return as Celtics beat Bucks
