NBA: Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick says he and Luka Doncic have ‘great relationship’ after viral exchange

Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick says he and star Luka Doncic have a “great relationship” despite a heated exchange between them that went viral.

The Lakers were riding a three-game losing streak heading into Saturday’s game at the Golden State Warriors, but were leading comfortably when Doncic was substituted late in the first quarter.

The Slovenian, 27, tried to avoid a punch from Redick as he walked to his seat on the bench, and the Lakers coach then followed Doncic down the sideline.

The pair exchanged words as Doncic took his seat before Redick turned to head back towards half court.

As he did so, Doncic returned to his feet and said more to Redick, while his teammate Jared Vanderbilt stood up, ostensibly to encourage the Lakers, but also to place a barrier in front of Doncic, who sat down moments later.

Speaking before Tuesday’s 110-101 win over the New Orleans Pelicans, Redick said, “I don’t know why it went viral. It was just normal to me.

“I didn’t think much of it at the time, to be honest. I don’t think Luke did either.”

Doncic had recorded four points and three assists up to that point, and on Saturday he returned and finished with a record 26 points.

The six-time All-Star scored another 27 points as the Lakers won their third straight game on Tuesday to remain sixth in the Western Conference standings.

“He and I have a great relationship,” Redick added. “I really appreciate our relationship. And I think those things happen. Not every game, but they happen a lot.

“It’s a competition. And here are two guys who, in this case, are trying to win a basketball game and be on the same page about things.”

Western Conference leaders Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Chicago Bulls 116-108 on Tuesday while in second place San Antonio Spurs defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 131-91.

He leads the Eastern Conference Detroit Pistons lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers 113-109, for which Jaylon Tyson scored 22 points and new signing James Harden added 18, while the third place New York Knicks capitalized on a 111-95 win against the Toronto Raptors.