JJ Redick, Jackson Hayes speak out in defense of Luka Doncic against Chris Dunn
LOS ANGELES – During the fourth quarter Los Angeles Lakers‘ 135-118 NBA Cup win against the LA Clippers, things got a little heated in between Luka Dončić and Chris Dunn. Amid the initial confrontation, Jackson Hayes defended Donciccausing the Lakers big man to commit a technical foul. After the game, the head coach of the Lakers JJ Redick explained the togetherness the team has that makes each player want to stick up for their teammates.
“We stress that to our guys all the time, whether it’s celebrating the guy taking the shot; we had a great shot from Milwaukee, Nick Smith making the 3-pointer and Maxi (Kleber) celebrating down the court,” Redick said. “Our celebration on the bench, a guy goes down … More guys run to pick guys up. We’re not saying you have to do it, it’s not a requirement. But typically, guys show their cards, show their hands whether they like it or not. Tonight as another example of that.”
The incident began when Luka Doncic was knocked to the floor while trying to fight off Chris Dunn. Doncic approached and informed Dan about it, and Dan retaliated by kicking the ball into Doncic’s chest. That’s when Jaxon Hayes rushed over and shoved Dunn.
U after inspectionHayes received one technical foul for his shot. Dan received two technical foulsthe first stemming from him snapping the ball at Doncic and the second coming when he pushed Hayes back. He was kicked out immediately.
For Hayes, it was simply a case of letting his teammate know he had his back.
“I just didn’t like the way he pushed Luka,” Hayes said. “I feel a lot of camaraderie with this team. I feel like we’re all in this together and we’re really close. We all want to protect each other.”
With the win, the Lakers clinched first place in the NBA’s West Group B and a spot in the quarterfinals, which begin on December 9. The Lakers have one NBA Cup game left in Friday’s group stage at home against the Dallas Mavericks.
2025-11-26 08:13:00
