Dennis Schröder tried to get physical with Luka Dončić postgame — but the NBA slapped him with a suspension instead.
The NBA issued a three-game suspension to the Kings guard on Saturday after trying to strike a Lakers player following Sacramento’s blowout 125-101 loss to the Lakers on Dec. 28, with multiple reports indicating that Dončić was who Schröder sought out.
ESPN reported that Schröder targeted Dončić after the game and told him that he can’t call him a “b—h” on the court and to act like nothing happened off the court.
“The incident occurred approximately 40 minutes following the Kings’ 125–101 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers,” the league said in its statement. “Schröder sought out the player in an arena hallway and initiated the confrontation.”
Though the NBA did not confirm exactly who Schröder targeted, he and Dončić were spotted verbally going at each other multiple times throughout the game.
At one point during the game, Dončić is seen taunting Schröder over reportedly fumbling an extension while the German guard was a member of the Lakers during the 2020-21 season.
“Shoulda signed that contract baby,” Dončić is seen saying to Schröder in a court side video.
During Schröder’s stint in Los Angeles, it was rumored that the team offered him a four-year, $84 million extension which he allegedly turned down in favor of testing free agency.
After a disappointing playoffs for the Lakers, Schröder wound up signing a one-year deal worth just $5.9 million with the Celtics.
Schröder, however, has denied these claims, saying Los Angeles never offered him a contract.
Schröder is set to begin serving the suspension for Sunday’s game between the Kings and Rockets, and it is still unclear if Schröder will appeal the league’s decision.
The 32-year-old is currently in his 13th season — and on his 10th NBA team — putting up 13 points and 5.7 assists through 31 games while serving as the Kings’ backup point guard.
Sacramento is set to face the Lakers again on Monday, but Schröder will still be suspended at that point.
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
