NBA

Jazz's Booker suspended for slapping Roy Hibbert

Matthew Glenesk
matthew.glenesk@indystar.com
A referee separates Utah Jazz forward Trevor Booker (33), left, and Los Angeles Lakers center Roy Hibbert (17), far right, after an altercation between the players during the second half of an NBA preseason basketball game, Oct. 6, 2015, in Honolulu.

UPDATE: Trevor Booker was suspended for the first regular-season game for slapping Lakers center Roy Hibbert in an exhibition game.

EARLIER

Roy Hibbert is never one to shy away from stepping up for a teammate. Time and time again during his Pacers career, the big fella would often go chest-to-chest with opponents who he felt fouled too hard or disrespected his teammates.

On Tuesday night, perhaps in an attempt to impress his new L.A. Lakers colleagues, the former Indiana center once again tried to come to the aid of a teammate.

Unfortunately for Roy, Utah's Trevor Booker wasn't having any of it.

After Booker got tangled up with L.A.'s Julius Randle on a hard screen, Hibbert got into the face of Booker, who reeled back an either punched or open-hand slapped Hibbert, depending on your point of view.

Hibbert looked a bit shocked that Booker would hit him in the face and in pure Roy fashion, responded with a wide grin before the situation escalated any further.

Booker received two technical fouls and was ejected, while Hibbert received a technical for getting in Booker's face.

Other NBA players seemed to take enjoyment in the fracas, including Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green: