Luka Dončić said he would cover any fine assessed to teammate Jaxson Hayes after Hayes stepped in during a fourth-quarter altercation with Kris Dunn in the Lakers’ 135–118 win over the Clippers in NBA Cup play.
With 3:33 left, Dunn shoved Dončić to the floor while the two battled for a rebound, prompting a brief on-court scuffle that ended with Dunn’s ejection and a technical on Hayes.
“Everybody got each other’s back… I’ll pay his fine, for sure,” Dončić said postgame.
“I’ll pay his fine for sure” -Luka on Jaxson Hayes defending him 🤝 https://t.co/BX7S7LbFE2 pic.twitter.com/NNSUXwZrq8
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 26, 2025
The incident unfolded as Dončić rose from the shove and confronted Dunn, who pressed the ball into Dončić’s chest before officials and players separated the sides. Hayes arrived quickly to shield Dončić, pushing Dunn away and drawing the technical that could trigger league discipline.
Chippy ending in the battle of LA as Kris Dunn was ejected after pushing Luka 😳 pic.twitter.com/iCBRxnAIj0
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 26, 2025
On the night, Dončić delivered a near triple-double with 43 points, 13 assists, and nine rebounds, leading the Lakers to clinch West Group B and advance to the Emirates NBA Cup quarterfinals. He scored 32 in the first half and shifted into a playmaking role late, while the Lakers closed strong despite the late fracas. The win moved Los Angeles to a perfect 3–0 in group play, reinforcing momentum as the in-season tournament heads to knockout rounds.
