Regardless of previous tensions and public criticism, Doc Rivers, Bucks coach And Lakers coach JJ Redick mentioned there have been no dangerous emotions between them.
“We’re good,” Redick mentioned earlier than the sport Thursday. “I don’t carry beef with individuals. And I am not going to enter the historical past of Doc and I’s relationship proper now. And I in all probability by no means will. He is advantageous in my e-book.
Redick would go on to beat Rivers and the Bucks 107-102 for the Lakers‘ first victory of the pre-season.
Throughout a media look final season on ESPN, Redick pointedly questioned Rivers’ sense of duty after Rivers spoke concerning the difficulties of accepting the Milwaukee job midseason.
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“I’ve seen this development for years,” Redick mentioned on “First Take.” “The tendency is all the time to search out excuses. Doc, we perceive. Taking up a staff in the course of the season is difficult. It is exhausting. We perceive. It is exhausting. …Nevertheless it’s nonetheless an excuse. This all the time comes all the way down to throwing your staff below the bus.
Redick mentioned Thursday he apologized for the tone of his feedback, which ESPN posted on YouTube below the title “JJ Redick does SCORCHED EARTH on Doc Rivers for making excuses!” »
“It’s by no means actually been an issue for me,” Rivers mentioned. “It has been one sided, and I’ve mentioned it many instances. And… take JJ out of the image, the coaches are invested within the gamers. They are surely. They pour a ton of affection to the gamers. And infrequently, this love is rejected, that is how it’s.
Rivers mentioned he expects Redick’s Lakers to be robust on “execution.”
“I am in all probability considering execution stuff as a result of that is what we had been identified for when he performed for me. I’ve run lots of them,” Rivers mentioned. “I really watched the primary two video games and a lot of the units we performed with the Clippers, the Lakers are taking part in them now. … I did the identical factor as a participant. You run what properly and what you want…I assume JJ will in all probability take from all of the coaches he is performed for.
Rivers mentioned he had empathy for his prime assistant, Darvin Ham, former Lakers coachwho has been seen by some as receiving oblique criticism each time a participant says one thing optimistic concerning the Lakers’ vibe or group this preseason.
“It’s a heartbreak for the coaches. Darvin takes care of that a bit of bit,” Rivers mentioned. “He’s seeing guys commenting now that he’s gotten into it. It isn’t good. However that is precisely what occurs on this a part of our work. We all know it.
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Thursday, the Lakers had been with out Austin Reaves on account of ankle ache. Redick mentioned the difficulty shouldn’t be a trigger for concern. The staff additionally restricted minutes Max Christie, Gabe Vincent And Reddish Cam.
LeBron Jamesas he did Sunday at Palm Dessert in opposition to Phoenix, solely performed the primary half. He scored 11 factors with six rebounds and 4 assists. Anthony Daviswho performed the third quarter, had 11 factors and eight rebounds with three blocks.
The Lakers trailed by 15 within the fourth quarter earlier than a 20-0 run by the rookie. Dalton Knecht and the Lakers’ deep bench pushed them to victory.
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This story was initially printed in Los Angeles Occasions.
