Lakers Guard Dennis Schroder Suspended Three Games After Tunnel Altercation With Luka Doncic
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LOS ANGELES — New details have emerged about the post-game confrontation between Sacramento Kings guard Dennis Schroder and Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic that led to Schroder’s three-game suspension.
The incident occurred on Dec. 28, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena moments after the Kings’ matchup against the Lakers. According to reporting by ESPN’s Anthony Slater, the two players—who had traded words throughout the night—crossed paths in the tunnel roughly 40 minutes after the final buzzer.
Slater’s account states that Schroder approached Doncic and confronted him for calling him “a b—” during the game. The NBA later determined that Schroder attempted to strike the Dallas guard. Lakers center Deandre Ayton intervened, pulling Schroder away as arena security stepped in. Doncic, reportedly stunned, moved toward an exit while security personnel separated the players.
Witnesses told ESPN the altercation escalated quickly. Kings head coach Doug Christie and several Sacramento players sought clarification as Schroder was ushered to the team bus. Doncic left the arena shortly after with his father, Saša Doncic.
It remains unclear whether Schroder’s attempted swing made contact. League officials cited the attempt itself in handing down the three-game suspension. The ban will sideline Schroder for Monday’s return meeting with Los Angeles, a game many had anticipated given the recent tensions.
The rivalry between the two guards dates back to EuroBasket, where Schroder’s national team eliminated Doncic’s squad. During the Dec. 28 contest, Doncic reportedly taunted Schroder about allegedly passing on a 2021 contract extension with the Lakers—a claim Schroder denies.
Source: Lakers Nation
