Luka Doncic dominated with 43 points, 13 assists, and nine rebounds, powering the Lakers to a 135-118 NBA Cup win over the Clippers, for a 3-0 group perfection.

Tension boiled over late when Kris Dunn shoved Doncic down then jammed a basketball into his chest, prompting Hayes to shove Dunn from behind. Hayes drew a technical foul while Dunn earned ejection after review, highlighting Lakers unity.​​

Doncic praised Hayes loyalty postgame, vowing to cover any league penalty as proof of team brotherhood. Technical fouls carry minimum 2,000 dollar fines with ejections adding more, testing Doncic's word amid his own 53,000 dollar Cup bonus.​

History Fuels Dunn Doncic Fire

This clash echoes prior beef between Doncic and Dunn dating to 2023 when the guard poked at Doncic during a Mavericks-Jazz tilt. Resurfaced clips show Doncic dismissing Dunn frustration after torching him underscoring personal edge, now reignited in LA rivalry.

Clippers frustration mounted as Lakers pulled away in fourth capped by Austin Reaves (31 points) and LeBron James (25 points).​

Dunn notched season high 19 points but exit left Clippers at 5-13, while Lakers hit 1- 4 second in West. NBA eyes further discipline including potential suspensions for fighting.​

Lakers Chemistry Signals Title Push

Doncic's gesture reinforces Lakers cohesion fueling five straight wins and quarterfinal berth against his ex-team Mavericks on Friday. With LeBron anchoring and Doncic erupting this squad, the team mirrors the 2023 Cup champs, blending star power with grit. Hayes' protection moment boosts morale for playoff grind, where such loyalty separates contenders.​

Lakers now chase a deeper Cup run plus regular season dominance, proving early heat builds unbreakable bonds.