A fan who heckled Luka Doncic following the Lakers star’s injury Thursday night got an absolute earful from Austin Reaves (all times US).
Just after Doncic crumpled to the Paycom Center hardwood in the third quarter of the Lakers’ road matchup with the Thunder, Reaves raced in to blast an Oklahoma City supporter who had taunted the ailing Los Angeles star.
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Video shot by a spectator shows that once the courtside fan yelled about Doncic’s defence as the 27-year-old was down in pain, Reaves quickly told him to “shut the f — k up.”
“He’s f — king hurt,” Reaves added.
The man, however, clapped back — which led to a heated interaction between the two.
“That’s some bulls — t,” Reaves said as he approached the fan. “He’s down hurt. That’s some bulls — t.”
Reaves’ teammates and other Lakers staffers attempted to diffuse the situation, but it nonetheless continued for several tense moments.
“Have some f — king respect,” Reaves said as he inched closer and closer to the guy. “Have some respect.”
Thankfully for all parties, Reaves eventually walked away from the scene before things seriously escalated.
It’s unclear if Reaves or the fan will face any league discipline over the altercation. It’s also not yet known how severe Doncic’s hamstring injury is.
What is certain is the Lakers ended up getting blown out by the Thunder, 139-96, in a game many Los Angeles fans had hoped would prove they were legitimate NBA title contenders.
-This story was originally published in the New York Post and reproduced with permission.