A brief confrontation between Lakers head coach JJ Redick and Luka Doncic during Saturday’s victory over Golden State attracted attention online, but Redick downplayed the moment afterward, describing it as a normal part of the competitive atmosphere during games, according to Dave McMenamin of ESPN.
The exchange happened after Doncic was taken out of the game and walked past Redick without acknowledging a fist bump from the coach. Redick then followed him toward the bench, where the two exchanged words.
After Redick returned to his coaching spot, Doncic stood up and continued shouting before teammate Jarred Vanderbilt stepped in to defuse the situation.
Redick later said he didn’t view the incident as a major issue and emphasized that disagreements like that can occur when players and coaches are intensely focused on winning.
“I didn’t think much of it at the time, to be honest with you,” Redick told reporters. “I don’t think Luka did either. He and I have a great relationship. I really value our relationship. And I think those things happen. Not every game, but they happen very frequently.
“And sometimes you have to rehash them with a player, or as a teammate. Sometimes it happens player to player. 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.”
According to McMenamin, a Lakers source suggested the moment likely stemmed from frustration tied to the team’s recent three-game losing streak.
A person close to Doncic also said the relationship between him and Redick remains strong, noting that both are highly competitive and constantly challenge each other to improve.
Lakers Notes: Redick, Doncic, Reaves, Ayton, Offseason Plans https://t.co/tDWjp9P1Gv pic.twitter.com/f7y0KhocUK
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) March 5, 2026
