Why Did Dennis Schroder Try Swinging on Luka Doncic?

Dec 28, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Dennis Schroder (17) defemds Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) in the second half at Crypto.com Arena.

Perhaps the fans had forgotten it, but the NBA did not. Dennis Schroder was hell-bent on instigating a physical confrontation with Luka Doncic in the hallway after the Sacramento Kings vs the Los Angeles Lakers game on December 28. Doncic didn’t react, while Schroder looked relentless during the incident. And the league has now suspended the German baller.

Schroder, who will be forced to sit out for the next three games, will begin his suspension on Monday. He will miss the Kings’ games against the Houston Rockets, the Lakers, and the New York Knicks. So, there’s no chance for him to take revenge against Doncic for the time being.

As far as the incident is concerned, or rather the buildup to it, Doncic was no saint, either. He kept trying to taunt Schroder through the game, as he does with many of his rivals in the league. But talking trash is one thing, and attempting to strike someone is another.

“Should have signed that contract, baby,” Doncic kept telling Schroder on the court. And the Lakers star hit a nerve.

The Slovenian was reminding Schroder of how he fumbled a 4-year $84 million deal with the Lakers in 2021. He signed with the rivals Boston Celtics in the free agency for just $5.9 million instead. It’s considered by many to be a blunder, and it’s not something Schroder likes to be reminded of.

Doncic wasn’t done there, either. He kept reminding Schroder how he would beat him 1v1, which, in all honesty, doesn’t sound like much of a brag coming from a generational talent. But it did irk Schroder further, and it all culminated in him declaring that he would beat “the s***” out of Doncic.

Doncic has not been handed any punishment, which does not come as a surprise. Talking smack is common in the NBA, and the league would be missing its biggest stars every day if they were penalized for running their mouth.

But when it comes to violence or threatening violence, the scenario changes. Schroder will potentially have a chance to play against Doncic on March 2, which will be the last Kings vs. Lakers game of the 25-26 season.

Post Edited By: Leslie Xavier
Dennis Schroder Los Angeles Lakers Luka Doncic Sacramento Kings

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Somin Bhattacharjee

Basketball Editor Somin Bhattacharjee first discovered the game during the 2014 FIBA World Cup. Not long after, he turned to the NBA and found himself drawn to the Golden State Warriors — right at the start of Stephen Curry’s rise. Over time, the admiration turned into full-blown support for the team, one that continues even as the Curry era approaches its twilight. A true hoophead, Somin also follows EuroLeague basketball closely and enjoys exploring the game beyond the NBA. Though holding a bachelor's degree in marketing, Somin discovered his true calling in writing. Since 2021, he has penned over 3,000 articles for TheSportsRush, covering everything from breaking news to sharp opinion pieces and detailed exclusives. He thrives on writing about in-game moments and the reactions that make basketball a uniquely emotional sport. Beyond basketball, Somin plays different sports including soccer and remains a passionate fan of Spanish football giants Real Madrid

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