Luka Doncic's Behavior During Lakers-Clippers Goes Viral

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Madz Dizon | Last updated Mar 4, 2025 9:06 PM ET

A bizarre moment involving Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic during a game against the Los Angeles Clippers has taken social media by storm.

The incident, which was caught on camera, showed Doncic wiping his sweat all over the basketball before handing it to the referee. The reaction from the official, along with the penalty that followed, made for an unforgettable scene that quickly spread online.

The video, initially shared by Showtime Luka on X, has amassed over 10.4 million views and thousands of comments.

In the clip, Clippers' James Harden is preparing for his second free throw. After successfully making the first shot, Doncic picks up the ball and presses it against his sweaty forehead before releasing it.

Luka rubbing his sweat all over the ball made the ref so mad pic.twitter.com/s8nDGo4FNu
— Showtime Luka (@showtimeluka) March 3, 2025

The referee, seemingly disgusted, refused to touch the ball and immediately called a delay of game violation. To ensure cleanliness, she then kicks the ball to the sideline, requesting a towel.

“Can somebody get a towel?” the referee asks as she avoids handling the ball directly.

LeBron James’s reaction added to the drama, as he could be heard in the background, exclaiming, “He did what?!”

Not only did Doncic receive the delay of game penalty, but the Clippers were also awarded a technical free throw, adding an unexpected twist to an already intense matchup.

Despite the controversy, the Lakers managed to hold on for a 108-102 victory, extending their winning streak. Doncic played a key role, finishing with 29 points, nine assists and six rebounds.

However, his sweaty-ball antic overshadowed his strong performance, dominating postgame discussions and social media reactions.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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