A key LA Clippers starter was ejected from a chippy ongoing NBA Cup game between the Clippers and their crosstown rivals the Los Angeles Lakers.
Starting Clippers shooting guard Kris Dunn shoved All-NBA First Team Lakers guard Luka Doncic into 21-time All-NBA power forward LeBron James at the end of a play beneath the basket. He was subsequently shoved in the back by fill-in starting center Jaxson Hayes, and quickly swung at Hayes, slightly connecting.
Here’s a video of the moment, via Khobi Price of The Orange County Register.
Two technical fouls and the ejection on Kris Dunn for this alteration. One technical foul for Jaxson Hayes. pic.twitter.com/QDeyRNMpM3
— Khobi Price (@khobi_price) November 26, 2025
Dunn was assessed a pair of technical fouls by attending referees and promptly ejected. Hayes was dinged for one tech and stayed on the floor.
Ahead of the game, Hayes — who’s starting for injured big man Deandre Ayton (knee contusion) — joked about the relatively minor bonus that ultimately was heading LA’s way with a win and a clinched NBA Cup West Group B win.
Jaxson Hayes when asked about the Lakers’ NBA Cup game against the Clippers: “Free money. If we win, we get $500K. That’s all I know. That’s all that matters.”
Lakers can clinch West Group B with a win tonight. Jaxson: “We win tonight, we get $53K. Gotta start somewhere.” pic.twitter.com/XoiANYjl4u
— Khobi Price (@khobi_price) November 25, 2025
“Free money. If we win, we get $500K. That’s all I know. That’s all that matters,” Hayes said. “We win tonight, we get $53K. Gotta start somewhere.”
As of this writing, that seems like a borderline fait accompli. Although the game felt relatively even through most of the first three quarters (in fairness, Doncic had 32 points through the opening half), a late surge by the Lakers to close out the third frame helped the Lakers create some separation at home in Crypto.com Arena.
The Lakers currently lead the Clippers by 14 points, 129-115, with 1:52 remaining in regulation. The Lakers pace the Clippers mightily in fastbreak points, 20-8, and points in the paint, 58-48.
Dunn finished with 19 points on 8-of-13 shooting from the field (3-of-6 from long range), three assists and a steal.
This story will be updated…
