NBA suspends star player Dennis Schroder for 'attempting to strike' Luka Doncic in a heated hallway incident
By BEN NAGLE, US SPORTS EDITOR
Published: 02:34, 11 January 2026 | Updated: 02:34, 11 January 2026
The NBA has taken decisive action, suspending Sacramento Kings star Dennis Schroder for three games without pay. This suspension comes after a heated confrontation between Schroder and Luka Doncic following the Kings' loss to the LA Lakers last month. The incident, which occurred approximately 40 minutes after the game, involved Schroder attempting to strike Doncic in a hallway.
The NBA's statement did not identify the player involved, but insider Chris Haynes confirmed it was Doncic. The confrontation took place three days after Christmas, adding an extra layer of tension to an already intense rivalry.
Schroder's suspension begins on Sunday when the Kings host the Houston Rockets at the Golden 1 Center. He will be eligible to return on January 16, just in time for a potential showdown with Doncic and the Lakers on Monday. This scheduling decision ensures that any further on-court tensions between the players are avoided.
Dennis Schroder, a 32-year-old veteran, was drafted in the first round in 2013, 17th overall, by the Atlanta Hawks. He has since played for several teams, including the Thunder, Lakers, Celtics, Rockets, Raptors, Nets, Warriors, and Pistons, before joining the Sacramento Kings in a sign-and-trade deal last July. Schroder's extensive career has seen him play for 10 different teams over 12 seasons, accumulating 842 regular-season games.
This incident highlights the intense nature of NBA rivalries and the potential for off-court conflicts to escalate. The league's swift action serves as a reminder that such behavior will not be tolerated, and players must conduct themselves professionally both on and off the court.
