Real reason Dennis Schroder tried to punch Luka Doncic over LA Lakers comment revealed

Shams Charania says Luka Doncic’s repeated insults triggered Dennis Schroder’s reaction

According to Shams Charania, the tension between Luka Doncic and Dennis Schroder had been building for months, dating back to a series of personal exchanges that began long before their postgame confrontation.

Charania reported that Doncic had been using the same insult toward Schroder “for the last few games, even going back to the offseason.”

Some foul language, reportedly, was used repeatedly during games, according to multiple sources.

The friction can be traced back to EuroBasket 2025, where Schroder led Germany to a comeback win over Slovenia, knocking Doncic’s team out of the tournament.

Germany went on to win the title, with Schroder named tournament MVP. The rivalry between the two players has lingered ever since, both in Europe and the NBA.

Things escalated further when Doncic allegedly mocked Schroder for turning down the Lakers’ four-year, $82 million contract offer in 2021.

Reports say Doncic mocked Schroder about the contract before walking away. Schroder reportedly lost his temper after that comment, confronting Doncic near the locker rooms about 40 minutes after the game ended.

NBA responds with suspension after locker room confrontation

The NBA handed Schroder a three-game suspension for what it described as an “attempt to strike” Doncic.

League officials reviewed footage and interviews before confirming the punishment. The incident also resulted in a fine for unsportsmanlike conduct and a warning for future behaviour.

For Doncic, the confrontation was another flashpoint in a career defined by competitiveness and emotion.

For Schroder, it marked a breaking point in a feud that had been brewing for nearly a year — a clash of pride, history, and personal rivalry that spilled from EuroBasket to the NBA.