TITLE: JJ Redick Backs Luka Doncic After Guard’s 15th Technical Sparks Debate
SLUG: jj-redick-backs-luka-doncic-after-15th-technical
CONTENT:
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick stood firmly behind Luka Doncic on Friday, one day after the star guard collected his 15th technical foul of the season during a road loss to the Denver Nuggets.
Speaking before the Lakers faced the Indiana Pacers, Redick dismissed growing criticism that Doncic spends too much time arguing with officials.
“I would much rather have someone who is trying to go out every night and kill than someone you have to revive with a defibrillator every other day,” Redick said. “So, I’ll take Luka all day long.”
Doncic’s latest technical puts him one whistle away from an automatic one-game suspension under NBA rules. The infraction appeared to come without a direct exchange between the Slovenian guard and the official who assessed it, leading the Lakers to hope the league will rescind the call. According to Redick, the organization has not yet received word from the NBA on that possibility.
Doncic, averaging top-five numbers league-wide this season, acknowledged his confusion over Thursday’s ruling and said he was not given an in-game explanation.
L.A. has struggled with injuries throughout the year, complicating its pursuit of playoff positioning. Any absence for Doncic would carry added weight as the regular-season schedule tightens.
The Lakers return to action Friday night in Indianapolis with Doncic available while the club awaits a final decision on the disputed technical.
Source: LakersNation.com
