Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick says a brief courtside argument with star guard Luka Doncic was nothing out of the ordinary, despite the clip spreading quickly across social media.
The interaction occurred during the Lakers’ recent victory over the Golden State Warriors, a game that helped Los Angeles stay in the Western Conference playoff picture late in the 2025-26 season. Speaking before Tuesday night’s matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans, Redick told reporters he “didn’t think much of it” and said the two maintain a strong working relationship.
“I didn’t feel any tension, and Luka didn’t either,” Redick said. “These things happen frequently. It’s two competitors trying to win a basketball game and get on the same page.”
Redick added that he encourages open dialogue between players and coaches, calling such exchanges a normal part of a “player-led” team. The former NBA sharpshooter, now in his first full season coaching Doncic, said the pair already laughed off the moment.
Doncic currently leads the league in scoring, a key factor in the Lakers’ push for postseason positioning. Redick credited the 26-year-old’s aggressive style for giving Los Angeles an offensive edge, even if some decisions “drive him mad” at times.
The coach, accustomed to heightened scrutiny around the Lakers, dismissed the online reaction. “Any sort of discord between a player and coach will get amplified,” he said. “Everybody’s opinion is more accessible now, so it’s louder—but it’s normal.”
Source: Lakers Nation
