LA insider puts an end to speculation about a feud between Luka Doncic and JJ Redick

Speculations about a a potential rift between Luka Doncic and JJ Redick was interrupted on Tuesday when ESPN insider Dave McMenamin publicly addressed the situation, stating that there was no feud between Los Angeles Lakers star and head coach.

Speaking on ESPN’s NBA Today, McMenamin detailed conversations with league and team sources after the video circulated online with Saturday’s 129-101 win over the Golden State Warriors.

“I’ve checked with people around the league and within the team and I’ll just give you my report,” McMenamin said. “A league source said when he saw the footage – LA is different, the smallest thing becomes the biggest thing. A source close to Luke told me that he and JJ have a strong, close relationship that goes back almost a decade and that they are both fiercely competitive and push each other.”

It is the moment when Dončić left the game and headed for the bench. Redick briefly grabbed Doncic by the wrist in an apparent attempt to talk to him. Doncic withdrew his hand and continued to his seat while Redick followed him. The two exchanged words before Reddick turned away. Doncic then stood up as if to continue the exchange, while Jared Vanderbilt stood up next to him to prevent further escalation.

“If you’ve been around an NBA basketball team full of people who live to compete, sometimes it gets a little messy when they’re trying to work toward a common goal.”@mcten about the relationship between Luka Doncic and JJ Redick 🏀 pic.twitter.com/T9eK9L5Tsv

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) March 3, 2026

Lakers insider dismisses speculation between Luka Doncic and JJ Redick

That streak quickly spread on social media, prompting speculation that tensions existed between the franchise’s cornerstone player and the first-year head coach.

McMenamin went on to highlight the competitive context behind the exchange.

“A team source told me you can find a star in the NBA who isn’t frustrated with a three-game losing streak and doesn’t do anything but hey, we know the internet likes to have fun. In this case, if you’ve been around an NBA basketball team full of people who live to compete, sometimes it gets a little messy when they’re trying to achieve a common goal.”

The Los Angeles Lakers have been under increased scrutiny all season, especially following the high-profile acquisition of Doncic and Redick’s transition from analyst to head coach. Competitive exchanges between players and coaches are common in NBA locker rooms, especially during periods of inconsistency.

Los Angeles enters Tuesday night’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans at 36-24, sixth place in the Western Conference. The Lakers will look to extend their two-game winning streak as they continue their push toward the postseason.