Luka Dončić, currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, engaged in a playful exchange with teammate Maxi Kleber during the Los Angeles Lakers’ game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday, February 5, 2026. Video footage circulating online shows Dončić lightly striking Kleber on the head after Lakers guard Austin Reaves scored a two-point shot.
The incident occurred during the first quarter of the game, with the Lakers leading the Thunder 14-13. Dončić mimicked Reaves’ shooting motion with his wrist before playfully hitting Kleber. According to reports, Dončić then clapped his hands in an attempt to feign innocence, but Kleber responded by pushing Dončić away, indicating he knew who had struck him.
Dončić suffered a mild left hamstring strain during the Lakers’ February 5th victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, forcing him to exit the game late in the second quarter. He subsequently missed the Lakers’ 105-99 win against the Golden State Warriors and remained out of action for the game against the Thunder.
This is not the first instance of Dončić playfully interacting with Kleber. The pair, who previously played together on the Dallas Mavericks, have a well-documented rapport. Kleber recently discussed his expectations for Dončić this season, anticipating “a lot of Luka Magic” – characterized by creative passes and impressive shot-making – after the pair were traded to the Lakers together.
Dončić has been actively working on his conditioning this offseason, slimming down and demonstrating improved physical form during preseason games and at EuroBasket 2025, where he averaged 34.7 points, 8.6 rebounds and 7.1 assists per game for Slovenia. Lakers head coach JJ Redick has suggested that Dončić could be a contender for the MVP award if the team performs well.
As of February 10, 2026, the Lakers have not released a definitive timeline for Dončić’s return from the hamstring injury.
