JJ Redick and Luka Doncic recently caught attention after a video of a tense exchange between them went viral.
However, Redick now sees that moment as old news and doesn’t understand the excitement surrounding it.
“I didn’t think much of it at the time,” Redick said, according to Dave McMenamin of ESPN. “I don’t think Luka did either. He and I have a great relationship, and I value that. These situations happen; not every game, but often enough. Sometimes you need to talk things over with a teammate, and sometimes it’s player-to-player.”
“It’s competitive. We both want to win and be on the same page. … I don’t know why it went viral. It felt normal to me.”
A head coach and a player arguing on the sidelines isn’t unusual in the NBA, but it always draws attention, especially with prominent figures involved.
Redick and Doncic’s frustration was understandable, given that the Los Angeles team was on a losing streak when that video surfaced. Ultimately, they both aimed to secure a victory.
Lakers fans can now shift their focus to more positive news.
After defeating the Pelicans 110-101, Redick, Doncic, and the Lakers are currently on a three-game winning streak. They have a chance to make it four as they prepare to face the Denver Nuggets on Thursday at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado.