The NBA has announced a three-game suspension for Kings guard Dennis Schröder for “confronting and attempting to strike another player.”
The incident, which involved Lakers star Luka Doncic, occurred 40 minutes after their December 28 game, according to the league, as Schröder “sought out” Doncic in an arena hallway and “initiated the confrontation.”
Schröder’s suspension will begin with Sunday’s game against Houston. He will also miss Monday’s rematch with the Lakers and Wednesday’s meeting with New York. He will be docked three games’ worth of salary amounting to $291,807, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks (Twitter link).
Tensions between Schröder and Doncic began with an exchange of words early in the game (YouTube link) and continued throughout the night. Doncic’s comments to Schröder included, “You should’ve signed that contract, baby” (TikTok link), a reference to a reported four-year, $84MM extension offer that Schröder turned down when he was with the Lakers in 2021.
The rivalry between the two guards began in Europe and dates back several years, according to Marca. It picked up intensity last fall when Schröder’s German team defeated Doncic’s Slovenia in the EuroBasket quarterfinals. The website states that Schröder has expressed respect for Doncic in the past and suggests that the latest incident may stem from the frustrations of playing for a losing team in Sacramento.
Schröder has been mentioned as a potential trade candidate if the Kings try to unload some of their veterans ahead of the February 5 deadline.