Lakers’ JJ Redick explains intriguing decision to keep Luka Doncic on the floor vs. Bucks

Lakers’ JJ Redick explains intriguing decision to keep Luka Doncic on the floor vs. Bucks appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The Los Angeles Lakers extended their lead in the Western Conference after blowing out the Milwaukee Bucks, 123-112 , at Fiserv Forum on Wednesday. The Lakers won their seventh straight game and improved to 11-2. Despite the lopsided affair, coach JJ Redick chose to keep Luka Doncic on the floor in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter. It came close to being a disastrous decision. Doncic hurt his ankle after an and-1 play against Kyle Kuzma with 4:25 left. The 27-year-old guard was visibly in pain before exiting the game. Fortunately, Doncic escaped a serious injury. Redick said it was only a “slight tweak.” Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial) SB Nation’s Jacob Rude shared Redick’s explanation for not subbing out the six-time All-Star even though the outcome was already settled. “For those upset with Luka being in the game at the end, Redick said he likely wouldn’t have been if Sexton hadn’t been injured,” wrote Rude on X. “He also noted that because of the struggles the bench had versus (Toronto) Raptors, the aim was to put them in up 20 with four minutes to go.” The Lakers were up by 24 points when Redick sent in the second unit. Doncic finished with 32 points, five rebounds, five assists, and two steals. He, however, went 10-of-25 from the field and had five turnovers. Austin Reaves returned to action after sitting out against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday due to illness. He, however, left in the third period after hurting his heel and did not return. Reaves had 18 points, three rebounds, five assists, and three steals. Sandro Mamukelashvili added 23 points on 5-of-8 three-pointers and three rebounds. Doncic has ample time to recover. The Lakers have a three-day rest before battling the Phoenix Suns on Sunday. Related: Lakers star Luka Doncic shares survival plan if Austin Reaves is sidelined by injury Related: Lakers’ Sandro Mamukelashvili brings up 2K to explain ‘Swiss Army Knife’ role