New Lakers Rumors Detail Luka Doncic, JJ Redick Relationship After Viral Video of Bench Exchange

Video emerged recently of Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick and superstar guard Luka Dončić appearing to have words on the sideline during L.A.'s 129-101 road win over the Golden State Warriors last Saturday.

On Tuesday, ESPN's Dave McMenamin clarified on NBA Today that Redick and Dončić have a "strong, close relationship" and that the spat was "much ado about nothing."

"A source close to Luka told me that him and JJ have a strong, close relationship that dates back nearly a decade and they're both fiercely competitive and they push one another," McMenamin said in part.

"A team source said find me a star in the NBA that isn't frustrated amidst a three-game losing streak, and so it's much ado about nothing, but we know the Internet likes to have their fun."

The Lakers entered that game as losers of three straight and five of seven games, but they've seen won a pair of contests against the Warriors and Sacramento Kings by 52 combined points.

The two seem to get along well and even had a few funny moments recently involving Dončić's jacket, which piqued Redick's interest.

The five-time All-NBA player even gifted his coach a new jacket a week or so later.

Obviously, the two had a heated moment during the Warriors game, but those are to be expected over the course of an 82-game season.

The pressure is on in L.A. The Lakers started this season with a 19-7 record, but they've played just .500 ball ever since (17-17) to end up at 36-24 with 22 regular-season games remaining.

L.A. is currently sixth in the Western Conference but needs to keep rolling in order to avoid falling into the play-in tournament with the seventh-place Phoenix Suns just two games back.

Dončić has been exceptional, averaging 32.5 points, 8.6 assists and 7.7 rebounds per game. He'll look to keep his hot streak going (and potentially help the Lakers win three straight) when L.A. hosts the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday evening.