In a fiery NBA Cup clash, LA Clippers guard Kris Dunn was ejected after a physical altercation with Lakers stars Luka Dončić and Jaxson Hayes, underscoring the heated crosstown rivalry. The incident occurred during the Lakers’ dominant 135-118 victory, which secured their perfect 3-0 record in the tournament’s group stage.
The scuffle erupted late in the fourth quarter with just over three minutes remaining, as Dunn assisted a basket by Ivica Zubac before making contact with Dončić, who fell to the court. An agitated Dončić quickly rose and confronted Dunn, who responded by forcefully pushing the basketball into Dončić’s chest, escalating tensions instantly. Lakers center Jaxson Hayes immediately intervened, shoving Dunn from behind in defense of his teammate, which further fueled the confrontation and drew players from both sides.
Officials swiftly assessed technical fouls to both Hayes and Dunn after a review, with Dunn receiving a second technical for a hostile act, leading to his ejection from the game. Dunn, who had scored a season-high 19 points, was forced to exit, while Hayes remained in the contest despite the penalty. The ejection highlighted the physical nature of the matchup, with referees closely managing the situation to prevent further escalation.
Beyond the altercation, the Lakers showcased their offensive prowess, led by Dončić’s spectacular 43-point, 13-assist performance—his fifth 40-point game of the season. The win improved the Lakers’ record to 13-4, solidifying their position as a top contender in the Western Conference, while the Clippers fell to 5-13, deepening their early-season struggles. The game was part of the NBA Cup’s group play, with the Lakers clinching a spot in the quarterfinals and earning a $53,093 prize per player.
Post-game, Dončić expressed appreciation for Hayes’ loyalty, vowing to cover any fine his teammate might incur from the league for the technical foul. ‘Everybody’s got each other’s back on this team,’ Dončić stated. ‘I’ll pay his fine for sure.’ This gesture underscored the strong chemistry within the Lakers squad, with Dončić emphasizing that he thrives on physical play and trash-talking, reflecting his competitive mindset.
The incident also revived a history between Dunn and Dončić, adding another chapter to their on-court rivalry. For the Clippers, Dunn’s ejection compounded their challenges in a season marred by inconsistencies, while the Lakers demonstrated resilience and unity in high-pressure moments. The scuffle served as a reminder of the intensity inherent in division matchups, particularly in the NBA’s in-season tournament format.
Looking ahead, the Lakers aim to build on their momentum as they advance in the NBA Cup, with Dončić’s leadership and team cohesion being key assets. The Clippers, meanwhile, must address discipline issues and find ways to compete more effectively. The event has sparked discussions about player conduct and officiating, but for now, it stands as a testament to the passion and drama of professional basketball.
