Jordan Bell's argument with head coach Steve Kerr was the lone lowlight of a rousing 130-111 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, as the second-year center was visibly frustrated with his coach after he engaged with him on the bench. Teammate Kevin Durant, who pulled Bell away from Kerr in hopes to evaporate the situation, noted it was only a matter of both people airing out their grievances:
“We all going to go through times throughout the NBA where we want to speak our mind a bit, might be frustrated with some things,” said Durant, according to Anthony Slater of The Athletic. “Coach has been so open letting guys get that out, but also challenging guys as well. It’s a healthy dialogue.”
Jordan Bell getting heated with Steve Kerr 👀👀 pic.twitter.com/2nQqJX3IS9
— Gifdsports (@gifdsports) January 22, 2019
Bell has been the worst center in the rotation for the length of the season. After jacking up a couple of uncalled mid-range jumpers, coupled with less-than-spirited defense at the other end of the floor, Kerr had enough after the Lakers quickly mounted a run in mop-up time.
When pressed about the matter, Kerr said it was merely a miscommunication of words said, while Bell could not be reached for comment, quickly bolting out of the locker room after the game.
Bell is likely to be buried on the depth chart with DeMarcus Cousins now starting and Kevon Looney taking up the bulk of backup duties.
While this is far from ideal for Bell after an encouraging start to his rookie season, this is the place where he's at now — and it's only up to him to carve some playing time by showing Kerr some improvement.
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