Dennis Schroder’s three game suspension comes after he allegedly SLAPPED Luka Doncic in the face outside the Lakers locker room
The NBA has handed Sacramento Kings guard Dennis Schroder a three-game suspension for a postgame incident following the Kings’ loss to the Los Angeles Lakers last month. Schroder will miss three home games for “confronting and attempting to strike” a player after the December 28 game at Crypto.com Arena.
According to multiple reports, the player Schroder sought out was Lakers superstar Luka Doncic.
The Details of the Heated Tunnel Incident
The drama didn’t end with the final buzzer. The NBA stated the incident took place roughly 40 minutes after the game in a hallway of the arena. The league’s investigation concluded that Schroder left the visitors’ locker room, sought out Doncic, and initiated the confrontation.
Witnesses reported that Schroder told Doncic he could not call him a “b—h” on the court and then pretend everything was fine afterward. The NBA determined this confrontation escalated to the point where Schroder attempted to strike Doncic, which prompted security to intervene.
Lakers center Deandre Ayton acted quickly, stepping in to drag Schroder away from the situation. A stunned Doncic attempted to exit the area as the scene calmed down. Kings coach Doug Christie and several teammates were left searching for answers as Schroder was eventually escorted to the team bus.
Doncic and his father then left the arena in their car, while the Kings continued with their travel plans.
What Sparked the On Court Feud Leading to the Fight?
The tension between the two players had been simmering throughout the game, with multiple on-court verbal exchanges captured by broadcast cameras and shared widely on social media.
The animosity centered around a well-documented piece of NBA history. During a timeout, Doncic was caught on camera taunting Schroder about a past contract decision. “Shoulda signed that contract, baby,” Doncic said, referencing a four-year contract extension Schroder reportedly declined from the Lakers in 2021.
That deal was widely reported to be worth around $84 million. After a challenging season, Schroder ultimately signed with the Boston Celtics for a one-year deal worth just $5.9 million, a massive financial loss. Schroder has publicly denied the Lakers ever made him that formal offer, but the narrative has followed him.
The taunt clearly got under Schroder’s skin. Despite the Lakers’ convincing 125-101 win, where Doncic dominated with 34 points and Schroder contributed 11 points off the bench, the personal battle was far from settled.
| Key Details of the Incident | |
|---|---|
| Date of Game & Incident | December 28, 2025 |
| Location | Crypto.com Arena hallway (Los Angeles) |
| Suspension | 3 games for Dennis Schroder |
| Financial Penalty | $291,807 in lost salary |
| On-Court Taunt | Doncic to Schroder: “Shoulda signed that contract, baby.” |
| Postgame Trigger | Schroder objected to being called a “b—h” on court |
| First Missed Game | Sunday, January 11 vs. Houston Rockets |
The Fallout: Suspension and Impact on Teams
The NBA’s disciplinary action was swift and costly. Schroder’s three-game suspension began Sunday, January 11, causing him to miss key home games against the Houston Rockets, the Los Angeles Lakers, and the New York Knicks. He is eligible to return for Sacramento’s Friday game against the Washington Wizards.
The financial hit is significant. ESPN’s Bobby Marks reported the suspension will cost Schroder $291,807 in lost salary.
For the Kings, who are struggling at the bottom of the Western Conference with an 8-30 record, losing their backup point guard is another hurdle. Schroder has averaged 13 points and 5.7 assists per game this season, providing a spark off the bench.
The scheduling adds another layer of intrigue. The Kings and Lakers were scheduled for a rematch in Sacramento on Monday night, a game Schroder will now watch in street clothes. The league likely factored this immediate reunion into its decision to announce the suspension when it did.
Schroder’s History of On Court Altercations
This is not Schroder’s first suspension for physical altercations. The veteran guard has a history of similar incidents.
In 2013, while with the Atlanta Hawks, he was suspended one game for striking then-Kings center DeMarcus Cousins in the groin. In 2018, as a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder, he received another one-game suspension for leaving the bench area to join an altercation that spilled into the spectator stands.
Official Statements and What’s Next
The NBA’s official statement was clear, stating Schroder “sought out the player in an arena hallway and initiated the confrontation”. While neither the league nor the Kings have commented further on the specifics, insider reports from Chris Haynes and Anthony Slater have filled in the details.
As of now, it is unclear if Schroder will appeal the league’s decision. For the Kings and Lakers, the focus shifts to the court for their next matchup, but the story of this tunnel confrontation will undoubtedly linger.