The NBA has handed down a three-game suspension to Sacramento Kings guard Dennis Schroder following a heated confrontation with Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic after the teams’ December 28 matchup in Los Angeles.
According to ESPN, the incident stemmed from escalating tension during the Kings’ 125–101 loss at Crypto.com Arena. Schroder and Doncic exchanged words multiple times throughout the game, with things boiling over during a timeout late in the contest.
According to the league, Doncic taunted Schroder by referencing a lucrative contract extension he previously turned down, telling him he “should’ve signed that contract.”
While the final buzzer appeared to signal the end of the drama, league officials say the situation reignited well after the game concluded. Roughly 40 minutes later, Schroder exited the visiting locker room and encountered Doncic in the arena tunnel near the Lakers’ bench area.
The NBA described what followed as an aggressive confrontation in which Schroder attempted to strike Doncic.
The league’s investigation found that Schroder took issue with being insulted during the game, reportedly telling Doncic that he couldn’t call him a “b*tch” on the court and expect everything to be fine afterward.
As tempers flared, Lakers center DeAndre Ayton stepped in and physically pulled Schroder away in an effort to de-escalate the situation.
Doncic, visibly surprised by the sudden escalation, tried to leave the area as security intervened. His father, Saša Dončić, was also present during the aftermath. Both eventually exited the arena and headed to their vehicle without further incident.
Meanwhile, Schroder was escorted out by arena security and directed to the Kings’ team bus. Kings head coach Doug Christie and several players were seen seeking clarification on what had transpired, as the confrontation unfolded out of public view long after fans had left the building.
In announcing the suspension on Saturday, January 10, the NBA concluded that Schroder’s actions warranted discipline for the attempted physical altercation. Doncic was not disciplined regarding the incident.
The suspension means Schroder will miss Sacramento’s next three games, including the Kings’ upcoming rematch against the Lakers. The league did not announce any additional penalties stemming from the incident.