Shaquille O’Neal Fires Back After Luka Doncic Gets Left Hanging By Austin Reaves In Awkward Postgame Moment
Luka Doncic (Photo by Kiyoshi Mio/Imagn Images) and Shaquille O’Neal (Photo by Kamil Krzaczynski/Imagn Images)
Following a hard-fought defeat in Game 1 of the Round 1 playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Los Angeles Lakers rebounded impressively, levelling the series by clinching Game 2. Nevertheless, the most riveting moment of the evening undoubtedly stemmed from the post-game exchange between Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
After the thrilling game, the players celebrated their victory with a lighthearted moment on the court. Reaves approached Doncic, who anticipated a high five, but instead, Reaves playfully rubbed Doncic’s head before dapping LeBron James. Doncic, initially confused with his hand still raised, eventually smiled and high-fived himself with the other hand.
In a recent episode of Inside the NBA, the TNT crew delved into this noteworthy incident. Notably, Kenny Smith highlighted that Doncic had encountered comparable instances of missed opportunities for camaraderie during his tenure with the Dallas Mavericks. Meanwhile, former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal expressed his disappointment regarding the unfortunate occurrence.
“That tells me they don’t fear him in the locker room. That would never happen to me. I won’t play that,” O’Neal said.
O’Neal expressed that the circumstances would have played out quite differently had he been a part of the scenario
“That would never happen to me, I don’t play that” 😂
Austin Reaves accidentally left Luka hanging, but Shaq says it would’ve been a different story if it were him 🤔 pic.twitter.com/LTYX5Q0EYv
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) April 24, 2025
Luka Doncic’s Performance In Game 2 Against The Minnesota Timberwolves
Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and LeBron James (Image Credit: @LakeShowYo/X)
Doncic showcased an impressive display of skills during Game 2 of the first-round playoff series against the Timberwolves. He played for 62 minutes and achieved a double-double with 31 points, 9 assists, and 12 rebounds.
Star player LeBron James also made a significant impact, contributing 21 points, 7 assists, and 11 rebounds. Alongside these strong performances, Austin Reaves added 16 points, helping the Lakers secure a 94-85 victory over the Timberwolves. The Lakers will play Game 3 of the series on April 25, 2025, at 9:30 PM ET at Target Center.
