By Nikola Miloradovic / info@eurohoops.net
The NBA has suspended Sacramento Kings guard Dennis Schröder for three games following an altercation with Luka Dončić after the Kings’ loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on December 28.
Tensions between Schröder and Dončić simmered throughout the game, with both players exchanging words on multiple occasions. During a timeout, Dončić taunted Schröder over a lucrative contract extension he declined earlier in his career.
While the situation appeared to cool down once the final buzzer sounded, tempers flared again shortly afterward. According to the ESPN, Schröder confronted Dončić in the tunnel near the home bench and attempted to strike him roughly 40 minutes after the game ended.
Security intervened quickly, as Lakers center Deandre Ayton stepped in to restrain Schröder and Dončić moved away from the scene. Schröder was later escorted to the team bus, while Dončić and his father, Saša, left the arena without further incident.
As a result of the suspension, Schröder will miss the Kings’ upcoming matchup against the Lakers on Monday night in Sacramento, as well as two additional games.