LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 10: LeBron James #23 and Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers talk during the third quarter of a game against the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena on February 10, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Lakers coach J.J. Redick has responded to criticism about a heated exchange with 2026 All-Star Luka Doncic.
“I don’t know why it went viral,” Redick said, “It felt very normal to me.”
This argument happened during the March 3 game against the New Orleans Pelicans. Redick had subbed Doncic out of the game, which visibly frustrated Doncic. Although the video isn’t clear enough to hear what’s being said, the argument felt tense.
Redick hasn’t been afraid to call out his players in the past. After a Christmas Day loss against the Houston Rockets, Redick said the team “didn’t care enough” to do the little things.
Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!
A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.
Despite the argument, the Lakers still defeated the Pelicans 110-101. Doncic was a major contributor with 27 points and 10 rebounds. LeBron James also contributed with 21 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. For the Pelicans, Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III did what they could, but it wasn’t enough.
After a lengthy NBA career, Redick started a podcast called The Old Man and the Three. Redick interviewed Doncic for the podcast in 2024. At the time, Redick had nothing but praise to sing for Doncic.
Redick was hired as the Lakers’ head coach during the 2024 offseason. Doncic was traded to the Lakers in the middle of Redick’s first season as coach. Despite their friendliness before, Redick has coached Doncic just as hard as anyone.
Redick’s coaching has garnered mixed reception from Lakers fans. Some fans believe his strong understanding of analytics has made the Lakers’ offense more efficient and their defense more versatile. However, some fans have criticized him for being indecisive, as he sometimes defers to James to make clutch decisions. His public criticisms of players also have mixed receptions.
The Lakers are currently the No. 6 seed and just 1.5 games behind the No. 3 seed.
Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have agreed to a 3-year, $165 million deal.…
For the final play of the game, while trailing 12-7, Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood sailed…
Frances Tiafoe has done it again at the US Open and comes back from two…
Ben Shelton won the biggest match of his life, finally beating Carlos Alcaraz, whom he…
Aaron Judge has made his long-awaited return from injury to help the New York Yankees…
Chicago Bears legend and former fullback Matt Suhey passed away this weekend. Suhey was part…