Lakers’ Luka Doncic Sends Strong Message on Kris Dunn Aft...

By Matthew Couden

Contributing Writer

ShareNewsweek is a Trust Project member

The Los Angeles Lakers faced the Los Angeles Clippers in an NBA Cup matchup of two undefeated teams looking to gain control of their group. With Luka Doncic playing a typical 40-plus point game, a scuffle occurred late in the game involving Clippers player Kriss Dunn and the Lakers' Luka and Jaxson Hayes.

As Dunn was in the lane for a potential rebound, he bumped Luka, who fell back onto the hardwood. During replays, NBC commentator Reggie Miller suggested it may have been an "exaggeration" on Luka's part, who quickly got up and confronted Dunn for it. That led to Dunn shoving the basketball into Luka's chest, and a further altercation ensued.

Luka's Lakers teammate Jaxson Hayes shoved Dunn from behind as retaliation. Dunn then turned around, rushed up to Hayes, extended his arm for a strike, and made contact with Hayes' face. Officials, teammates, and team staff then intervened to calm things down.

Read More: Mavericks' Klay Thompson Slams Ja Morant After Cam Spencer Interview

...

Following the game, Luka spoke to reporters who asked about the altercation involving him and Dunn. According to the Lakers superstar, there was a "cheap shot," but he stood firm on not fearing other players.

"Well, I was waiting for a rebound after that cheap shot on my back. I'm not gonna stand there and let it go. I ain't afraid of nobody," Luka told reporters, adding, "But that's what the game is about. Sometimes it's gonna get physical. There's a lot of trash talk. I live for that."

He also said he told Hayes he appreciated him having his back in the moment. When a reporter joked about Luka paying for Hayes's fine on his technical foul, Luka said, "I got it. I told him right away."

That's been a key to the Lakers' success so far this season, as the team seems to have good chemistry and camaraderie, along with some of the world's best basketball players.

Loading twitter content...

Hayes didn't get ejected for his role in Tuesday night's NBA incident, but he received a technical foul. Meanwhile, after referees reviewed the incident and conferred, they announced that Dunn got ejected from the game.

The Lakers went on to win the battle, 135-118, maintaining their undefeated record in the NBA Cup Group play and winning their group. Luka finished with 43 points, 13 assists, and nine rebounds as he continues an early case for league MVP, and the Lakers continue to look like one of the best in the Western Conference.

Read more: James Harden Has 3-Word Message After Setting Clippers Record

For more about the Los Angeles Lakers and the NBA, visit Newsweek Sports.

Request Reprint & LicensingSubmit CorrectionView Editorial & AI Guidelines