The Lakers NBA Cup win over the Clippers came with plenty of fireworks, but none bigger than the 4th-quarter altercation involving Luka Doncic, Kris Dunn and Jaxson Hayes.
What started as a physical shove quickly escalated into a full team scuffle, and ended with Doncic publicly declaring hell take care of whatever fine Hayes receives.
The incident began when Doncic was knocked to the floor after a shove from Dunn, a play he immediately believed crossed a line.
As he stepped toward Dunn to address it, Dunn fired the ball into Doncics chest, pushing him backward. Hayes reacted instantly, storming in from under the rim and delivering a heavy shove. Dunn then struck Hayes in the face, sparking the full confrontation.
So Kris Dunn wasnt happy with Luka pic.twitter.com/0ourUgfOS7
BBALLBREAKDOWN (@bballbreakdown) November 26, 2025
Once the officials sorted through it, Hayes and Doncic were hit with technicals while Dunn received double technicals and was ejected.
After the game, Doncic told reporters that he had already spoken to Hayes about the financial fallout.
I got it, Doncic said. I told him right away Of course I appreciate it. I told him right away, Thanks for having my back, and that says a lot about him.
The Lakers star also explained why the situation got heated so quickly.
Well, I was waiting for a rewind and I got a cheap shot in my back, Doncic said. Im not gonna just stand. I aint afraid of nobody. I aint going to just stand and let it go. The ref was right there. I dont understand how they didnt call a foul on that one, but thats what the game is about. Sometimes its going to get physical, and theres a lot of trash talking. I live for that, so I love it.
Hayes later confirmed the conversation and said he stepped in without hesitation.
Yeah, he said he got me, Hayes said. He said he got me. I just didnt like the way he shoved Luka, so I wanted to do something about it.
READ MORE: LeBron James Nears a Career Crossroads as Lakers Weigh Their Future
