Overview
- ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Schröder waited in a back hallway at Crypto.com Arena to confront Dončić after the Dec. 28 Lakers–Kings game.
- Charania said Schröder attempted to swing at Dončić, and the league found the action did not result in a strike to Dončić’s face or upper body.
- Charania reported the confrontation followed repeated use of the “B” word directed at Schröder by Dončić in recent games and during offseason international play.
- Former Lakers forward Markieff Morris claimed on his podcast that Schröder made brief physical contact before Deandre Ayton and security intervened.
- Paul Pierce voiced support for Schröder on a podcast, pointing to Dončić’s taunts about Schröder’s past declined contract as a possible trigger.