JJ Redick tries to downplay his controversy with Luka Doncic: "I don't know why it went viral"

An exchange on the bench between JJ Redick and Luka Doncic became one of the most discussed topics on social media over the weekend. However, the Los Angeles Lakers coach stated that he does not understand why the scene generated so much buzz.

“I don’t know why it went viral,” said Redick before the 110-101 victory against the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday. “It seemed pretty normal to me.”

The incident occurred during the 129-101 away triumph against the Golden State Warriors on Saturday. Doncic was substituted and, as he headed to the bench, he did not reciprocate his coach's fist bump. Redick followed him along the sideline, and both exchanged a few intense words before the coach returned to the midcourt area.

As Redick backed off, Doncic stood up again to continue the discussion. At that moment, power forward Jarred Vanderbilt intervened, clapping and positioning himself between them to ease the tension.

Redick downplayed the incident and stated that such situations are part of the competitive dynamics of the NBA.

“I didn't give it much thought at that moment, honestly. And I think Luka didn't either,” he explained. “We have a great relationship, and I value it a lot. These things happen. Not in every game, but quite frequently. Sometimes you have to talk to a player or among teammates. It's competition. Here are two people trying to win a game and be in sync.”

The context didn't help calm tensions either. The Lakers entered the game against Golden State on a three-game losing streak, including narrow losses in the final seconds against Orlando and Phoenix. The franchise downplayed any deeper reading of the incident. “Find me a star in the NBA who isn't frustrated after three consecutive losses,” they told ESPN.

Those close to Doncic also emphasized that the relationship between both is strong and close, highlighting that both the player and the coach are extremely competitive and push each other to the limit.

In strictly sporting terms, the response was immediate. Doncic scored 26 points and had eight assists against the Warriors, and he played a key role again in the subsequent 128-104 victory against the Sacramento Kings, scoring 28 points and providing nine assists.

When asked how he handles external noise, especially when a particular moment is amplified on social media, Redick remained calm.

“It feels normal, which is probably part of why I wanted to coach the Lakers,” he joked. “I was talking to Luka about it, and we laughed. I didn't feel any tension. He told me he didn't either.”

Media Exposure in Sports

For the coach, media exposure simply amplifies what has always existed in professional sports.

“You do it and move on. The reality is that everyone is going to have an opinion. Since professional sports exist, there have always been opinions: in talk shows, barbershops, forums. They are now more accessible and amplified, but it's normal.”

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, JJ Redick intenta minimizar su polémica con Luka Doncic: "No sé por qué se hizo viral"