"Shouldn't use that word here": Lakers HC JJ Redick sneakily mocks Chris Paul's "leeway" controversy with Clippers 

Lakers coach JJ Redick sneakily mocked former teammate Chris Paul's feud with the Clippers on Saturday, ahead of the Battle of LA at Intuit Dome. Redick used the term "leeway" to explain Marcus Smart and Jarred Vanderbilt's defensive roles with the Lakers.

Midway through his comment, Redick realized the controversy that erupted between Paul and the Clippers coaches due to that word.

Here's what Redick said (via The Athletic's Law Murray):

"I've talked with (Smart) and Vando about this, you got to give the better defensive players some level of leeway. Probably shouldn't use that word here ..."

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According to insider Chris Haynes, the incident occurred during a game between the Cippers and Mavericks, when Paul suggested that Kawhi Leonard switch his defensive assignment after he couldn't keep up with Klay Thompson's off-ball movement. Leonard was coming off an injury and didn't have his legs under him.

Leonard agreed and switched. The next day, Clippers assistant coach Jeff Van Gundy, who handles things on the defensive end, told Paul that he didn't have the "leeway" he had in other places with the Clippers. Paul took major offense at that comment and posted a story on Instagram with the definition of the word.

That was one of the many incidents that led to the fallout between Chris Paul and the Clippers. The veteran guard is not with the team as they look to trade or buy him out. Paul hoped to play his final season with the team, but that won't be the case after the Clippers decided to release him.

Edited by Arhaan Raje