Luka Dončić Steps Up for Jaxson Hayes After Heated Lakers–Clippers Clash

The Los Angeles Lakers closed out their NBA Cup group stage in dominant fashion, beating the LA Clippers 135–118 behind a monster night from Luka Dončić, who finished with 43 points, 13 assists, and nine rebounds. But the most unforgettable moment came after the buckets — during a fiery altercation that revealed just how tight this Lakers squad has become.

Late in the fourth quarter, tensions exploded when Kris Dunn violently shoved Dončić to the floor and then pressed the ball into his chest. That’s when Jaxson Hayes stepped in, shoving Dunn from behind to protect his superstar teammate. The sequence earned Hayes a technical and sent Dunn to the locker room after officials upgraded his foul to an ejection.

For Dončić, it was simple: loyalty deserved loyalty in return.

🔥 Dončić: “If Hayes Gets Fined, I’m Paying It”

Speaking postgame, Dončić couldn’t stop praising Hayes for standing up for him in the heat of battle.

He didn’t hesitate:

“If he gets fined, I’m paying it.”

League rules set a $2,000 minimum for technical fouls, with additional penalties possible. With Dončić set to earn a $53,000 NBA Cup bonus, his promise will soon be put to the test.

But for the locker room, the gesture said everything.

This Lakers team has each other’s backs.

⚔️ Dunn vs. Dončić: A Rivalry Rekindled

Last night’s fight wasn’t random — it was history resurfacing.

Footage from 2023 has been circulating again, showing Dunn taunting and poking at Dončić during a Mavericks–Jazz matchup. Dončić responded by torching him on the court, laughing off the guard’s frustration.

Fast forward to 2025, the fire is back.

Dunn scored a season-high 19 points, but his ejection derailed the Clippers’ comeback hopes as they fell to 5–13. Meanwhile, the Lakers surged behind late pushes from:

• Austin Reaves — 31 points
• LeBron James — 25 points

With the win, Los Angeles improved to 14–4, climbing into the No. 2 spot in the West.

The NBA is now reviewing the altercation, with potential suspensions still on the table.

🧩 Lakers Chemistry Looks Championship-Caliber

Five straight wins. A perfect 3–0 NBA Cup group. An attack led by Dončić’s nightly brilliance and anchored by LeBron’s blend of leadership and consistency.

But it’s moments like Hayes stepping in — and Dončić immediately having his back — that reveal something deeper.

This is a team connected.

This is a team built for May and June.

And with a quarterfinal showdown against Dončić’s former team, the Dallas Mavericks, set for Friday, the timing couldn’t be more electric.

The Lakers aren’t just chasing another NBA Cup run.

They’re building the type of trust and toughness that defines true contenders.