Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick has characterized a visible on-court exchange with player Jarred Vanderbilt as a "normal interaction," attempting to defuse the situation after broadcast cameras captured a heated moment during the team's recent loss. The incident occurred just 16 seconds into the second quarter when Redick called a timeout specifically to substitute Vanderbilt out of the game. Vanderbilt then approached Redick near the free-throw line while the coach was addressing the team with a whiteboard.
Redick stated that such exchanges are typical for him and occur during stressful periods for the injury-plagued Lakers squad. He indicated that his decision to bench Vanderbilt was a strategic one, aimed at prompting a higher level of effort from the player. "I called a timeout to get him out of the game, and he reacted," Redick explained, adding that Vanderbilt wasn't the first player to draw his ire in recent games.
Read More: Jayson Tatum to Play at MSG Thursday, Miss Friday Game vs Pelicans
Vanderbilt, who logged fewer than five minutes in the game, did not speak to reporters after the contest, leaving the arena before the locker room was opened. The exchange, which also saw Redick make a dismissive gesture towards Vanderbilt on the bench, was part of a larger discussion about playing hard and maintaining team unity. Redick emphasized that the interaction was "nothing personal."
The Lakers faced the Oklahoma City Thunder in the game where the incident took place. Notably, LeBron James did not play in this particular matchup. Redick also mentioned that player Smart was reportedly trending toward playing for the team this week.
