Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick says he and star player Luka Doncic have a “great relationship” despite a heated exchange between the pair that went viral.<\/p>\n
The Lakers were on a three-game losing streak going into Saturday’s game at the Golden State Warriors but were leading comfortably when Doncic was replaced late in the first quarter.<\/p>\n
The Slovenian, 27, tried to avoid a fist bump from Redick as he walked to his seat on the bench, and the Lakers coach then followed Doncic down the sideline.<\/p>\n
The pair exchanged words as Doncic took his seat before Redick turned to walk back towards half court.<\/p>\n
As he did, Doncic got back to his feet and said more towards Redick while his team-mate Jarred Vanderbilt stood up, ostensibly to clap encouragement for the Lakers but also putting a barrier in front of Doncic, who sat back down moments later.<\/p>\n
Speaking before Tuesday’s 110-101 win over the New Orleans Pelicans, Redick said: “I don’t know why it went viral. It felt very normal to me.<\/p>\n
“I didn’t think much of it at the time, to be honest with you. I don’t think Luka did either.”<\/p>\n
Doncic had claimed four points and three assists by that point, and returned on Saturday to finish with a game-high 26 points.<\/p>\n
The six-time All-Star scored another game-high 27 points as the Lakers won a third straight game on Tuesday to stay sixth in the Western Conference standings.<\/p>\n
“He and I have a great relationship,” Redick added. “I really value our relationship. And I think those things happen. Not every game, but they happen very frequently.<\/p>\n
“It’s a competition. And there’s two guys here who, in this case, are trying to win a basketball game and be on the same page about stuff.”<\/p>\n
The Western Conference leaders Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Chicago Bulls 116-108 on Tuesday while second-placed San Antonio Spurs thumped the Philadelphia 76ers 131-91.<\/p>\n