Despite previous tensions and public criticism, Bucks coach Doc Rivers and Lakers coach JJ Redick have stated that there are no bad feelings between them.
“We're fine,” Redick said before Thursday's game. “I don't have beef with people. And I have no intention of delving into the history of the relationship between me and the Doctor at this point. And I probably never will. I think it's okay.”
Redick then defeated Rivers and the Bucks 107–102 for the Lakers' first victory of the preseason.
During a media appearance last season on ESPN, Redick sharply questioned Rivers' sense of responsibility after Rivers mentioned his difficulty in accepting the job in Milwaukee midseason.
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“I've seen this trend for years,” Redick said on “First Take.” “The trend is to constantly make excuses. Doctor, we understand that. Taking over a team in the middle of the season is difficult. It's difficult. We understand that. It's difficult. …But that's always an excuse. That always throws your team under the bus.”
Redick said Thursday he apologized for the tone of his comments ESPN posted on YouTube under the headline “JJ Redick Burned Doc Rivers for Making Excuses!”
“It's never been a problem for me,” Rivers said. “It's just one thing and I've said it many times. And… get JJ off the board, the coaches, they, pour into the players. It really is. They pour a lot of love into the players. And often this love is rejected, that's just the way it is.”
Rivers said he expects Redick's Lakers to be strong when it comes to “execution.”
“I think it's probably about execution because that's what we were known for when he played for me. I ran a lot,” Rivers said. – Actually, I watched the first two games and a lot of the sets we played against the Clippers, now the Lakers are playing. … I did the same thing as a player. You do what you know well and what you like. … I guess JJ will probably benefit from all the coaches he played for.
Rivers said he feels sorry for his top assistant, making Lakers coach Darvin Ham seen by some as the target of indirect criticism whenever a player says something positive about the atmosphere or organization of the Lakers during the preseason.
“The coaches are heartbroken. “Darvin is dealing with it a little bit,” Rivers said. “Now he sees guests commenting. This isn't right. But that's what happens in this part of our work. We know that going into it.”
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The Lakers were without Austin Reaves on Thursday because of ankle pain. Redick said that wasn't a problem. The team also retained the minutes of Max Christie, Gabe Vincent and Cam Reddish.
LeBron James, just like on Sunday in Palm Dessert against Phoenix, played only in the first half. He scored 11 points for the entire match, adding six rebounds and four assists. Anthony Davis, who played until the third quarter, had 11 points, eight rebounds and three blocks.
The Lakers led by as many as 15 points in the fourth quarter before rookie Dalton Knecht's 20-0 lead and the Lakers' deep bench propelled them to victory.
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This story originally appeared in the Los Angeles Times.
