Luka Doncic flips off ex-teammate Jalen Brunson after Knicks-Lakers

Luka Dončić had a playful moment with former teammate Jalen Brunson after their game at Madison Square Garden on Sunday night. As the Knicks and Lakers players exchanged postgame pleasantries, Dončić jokingly flashed his middle finger at Brunson, who seemed to take it in stride with a smile.

The paths of Brunson and Dončić first crossed in 2018 when Brunson was drafted at No. 33 overall in the second round, and Dončić was selected at No. 3 overall by the Hawks before being traded to the Mavericks. They played together in Dallas for four seasons before Brunson signed with the Knicks in free agency, where he has become a key player and team captain.

Dončić became the face of the Mavericks until he was traded to the Lakers last season, a move that surprised many and ultimately led to the firing of Mavericks GM Nico Harrison. Seeing Dončić in a Lakers jersey was undoubtedly strange for Brunson, who expressed his surprise but also acknowledged Dončić’s continued success on the court.

Both players were instrumental in the Mavericks’ run to the Western Conference finals in 2022, where they fell to the Warriors in five games. Brunson’s decision to join the Knicks in free agency followed, setting the stage for their reunion at Madison Square Garden.

In their latest matchup, Dončić showcased his scoring prowess with 30 points for the Lakers, while Brunson struggled shooting but still managed to contribute with 13 assists to help his teammates shine. The Knicks extended their winning streak to six games with the victory, while the Lakers have dropped two of their last three games.

Overall, the dynamic between Dončić and Brunson continues to evolve as they navigate their respective roles on different teams. Despite the change in scenery, both players remain key figures in the league and will likely cross paths again in future matchups.