Maybe podcaster Rich Paul isn't so bad, after all. Following a recent, sound take on LeBron James, Paul just dropped a wise perspective on the Luka Doncic-JJ Redick sideline disagreement, the footage of which has gone viral since it happened during Saturday's Los Angeles Lakers win over the Golden State Warriors.
Doncic, seemingly upset as he got subbed out, took umbrage with words from Redick and appeared to wave off Redick and walk away from his head coach out of defiance, upon which Redick followed Luka to the star's seat on the bench and chewed out Doncic further.
In response to this Doncic-Redick quarrel, Paul asserted on the Game Over podcast that the disagreement was a healthy development for the Lakers, and he's right.
The Luka Doncic-JJ Redick sideline beef was positive for the Lakers
"(This) leads to a healthy relationship," Paul said of the disagreement. "Because that means there's a profound respect ... I've been around enough head coaches to see them challenge the star players. Dean Smith did it, Mike Krzyzewski did it ... ."
Paul also named NBA coaches who have done this, including Erik Spoelstra, Tyronn Lue, Pat Riley, Steve Kerr, and Phil Jackson. Paul's point was clear: holding the alpha player accountable aligns with a championship culture.
Paul also asserted that the sideline interaction between Luka and JJ displayed passion from both sides, another good sign.
Paul was spot-on with this analysis, especially given the state of the Lakers, who could use a jolt. On that note, Luka could use some more accountability from a head coach capable of lighting a fire under him when necessary.
JJ Redick needs to be tough on Luka Doncic for Lakers to win
It's become clear that Doncic, though a magnificent offensive talent, falls short of his potential as a perennial MVP candidate due to often falling by the wayside emotionally or effort-wise.
Redick, known to boost his stars' egos in press conferences, hasn't always seemed like the right coach to unlock Luka, but this sideline scuffle was a signal in the opposite direction.
The Lakers have long since run out of time for niceties. Butting heads and holding each other accountable will be necessary for LA to become the best version of itself before the postseason.
And Paul is right: the hyper-documented nature of NBA games these days (thanks to all-seeing social media) is such that a normal, healthy player-coach interaction like Luka and Redick's has been blown way out of proportion and turned into something it's not.
This was nothing but a positive development for the Lakers, who need more fight from their superstar and more tough love from their head coach.