NBA Players Who Tried To Kill Their Teammates Backstage!
The NBA is a league built on elite talent, high-stakes competition, and larger-than-life personalities. But beneath the highlight reels and sold-out arenas lies a world fans rarely see—a world where tempers flare, egos collide, and the intensity of competition can push players to their limits. While most locker room disagreements end with a handshake or a laugh, some moments cross a dangerous line, threatening not just chemistry but safety.
From Luka Dončić trash-talking Grant Williams to Gilbert Arenas and Javaris Crittenton drawing guns in the locker room, these stories reveal the volatile reality behind the NBA’s glamorous facade. This feature explores the most intense, shocking, and sometimes terrifying confrontations between NBA teammates and rivals, showing how the drive to win can turn brotherhood into battle.
Luka Dončić vs. Grant Williams: Trash Talk Turns Toxic in Dallas
It started as a routine practice for the 2023-24 Dallas Mavericks, but quickly became the stuff of legend. Grant Williams, newly signed from the Boston Celtics on a four-year, $53.3 million contract, was brought in to bring toughness and accountability to Luka Dončić, the Mavericks’ transcendent superstar. Williams, known for his relentless defense and trash talk, saw his role as pushing Dončić to be his best, especially in practice.
But Williams made a fatal miscalculation. He thought he could get in Dončić’s head. During a team scrimmage, Williams trash-talked Luka up and down the court. Dončić, who had been coasting, suddenly flipped a switch. According to Mavericks assistant GM Michael Finley, Dončić responded by going on a 26-6 run by himself, putting on a clinic with threes, post-ups, and floaters. Williams later confirmed the story, admitting, “I didn’t take it personally.”
The incident went viral after Patrick Beverley discussed it on his podcast, framing it as a dramatic turning point. “They kicked Grant Williams off the Mavs because Luka killed him,” Beverley joked. Williams was traded to the Charlotte Hornets in February 2024, just months after the practice demolition. While the trade wasn’t officially attributed to the incident, the timing was notable. The Mavericks went on to reach the NBA Finals that season, validating Dončić’s dominance.
LeBron James vs. Dylan Brooks: The King Loses His Cool
LeBron James is renowned for his composure. Through 22 seasons, he’s faced every defensive tactic and trash-talking opponent imaginable. But one player always manages to get under his skin: Dylan Brooks, the NBA’s self-proclaimed villain.
In a 2025 regular season game against the Phoenix Suns, LeBron, now 40, completely lost his cool. Brooks picked up a technical foul less than two minutes into the game for jawing with LeBron. In the third quarter, Brooks slapped the ball after a whistle, and it bounced off LeBron’s head. The King exploded, grabbing a referee’s arm and shoving him while trying to get to Brooks. Teammate Rui Hachimura had to physically hold LeBron back. Some fans argued LeBron should have been ejected for making contact with a ref, but he only received a technical foul.
Brooks kept the pressure on, and in the final seconds, after hitting a clutch three-pointer to give Phoenix the lead, he walked straight up to LeBron and bumped him chest to chest. Brooks earned a second technical and an automatic ejection, but not before Suns fans gave him a standing ovation.
After the game, LeBron downplayed the incident. “He’s going to compete. I’m going to compete. We’re going to get up in each other’s face.” But everyone could see this rivalry runs deep. Brooks first ignited LeBron’s ire in the 2023 playoffs, calling him “old” and “enjoying poking bears.” LeBron responded by eliminating Memphis in six games and taunting Brooks with the infamous “too small” gesture.
Brooks thrives on getting under superstars’ skin, but with LeBron, it’s personal. Every matchup delivers fireworks, and every confrontation reminds fans that even the greatest can lose their composure.
Gilbert Arenas and Javaris Crittenton: Guns in the Locker Room
Without question, the most infamous and dangerous teammate confrontation in NBA history occurred in the Washington Wizards locker room in 2009. Gilbert Arenas, aka Agent Zero, was a three-time All-Star known for his scoring and eccentric personality. Javaris Crittenton, a young guard trying to establish himself, became Arenas’s adversary after a gambling dispute on a team flight.
The conflict began over a card game called Bourré. Crittenton lost $1,100 to teammate JaVale McGee but refused to pay. Trash talk escalated to threats. Arenas reportedly said, “I play with guns.” Crittenton replied, “I play with guns, too.”
Two days later, Arenas brought four unloaded handguns into the locker room, placing them near Crittenton’s locker with a note: “Pick one.” Arenas claimed it was a joke, but Crittenton wasn’t laughing. According to teammate Caron Butler, Crittenton pulled out his own loaded handgun, cocked it, and pointed it directly at Arenas. Teammates panicked, some ran out, and Butler calmly talked Crittenton down.
No shots were fired, but the fallout was swift. NBA Commissioner David Stern suspended both players indefinitely. Arenas lost $7.5 million in salary; Crittenton lost $670,000. Both pleaded guilty to gun charges. Arenas served 30 days in a halfway house; Crittenton got one year probation.
Tragically, Crittenton’s story didn’t end there. In 2011, he was charged with murdering Julian Jones in Atlanta and later sentenced to 23 years in prison for voluntary manslaughter. Arenas eventually rebuilt his life as a successful podcaster.
This incident remains a cautionary tale about how quickly locker room disputes can spiral out of control—and how the intensity of competition can turn deadly.
Shaquille O’Neal vs. Kobe Bryant: Death Threats in the Lakers Dynasty
Few duos are as legendary—or as volatile—as Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. Three championships together, countless playoff battles, and one of the most toxic relationships in sports history. Their feud simmered for years, fueled by ego clashes and fundamentally different approaches to the game.
In the 2003-04 season, the feud reached a terrifying crescendo. Bryant gave an ESPN interview criticizing O’Neal as fat, lazy, and out of shape, blaming him for the team’s problems. O’Neal, furious, reportedly told teammates, “I’m going to kill him.” Lakers PR executive John Black described it as going from personal insults to death threats, and teammate Brian Shaw had to physically separate them.
The situation was so serious that security measures—including metal detectors—were installed at the Lakers practice facility. O’Neal later clarified in a podcast that he didn’t truly want to kill Bryant, comparing it to everyday hyperbole in the heat of anger. Bryant’s response: “Well, come on then.” The Mamba mentality at its finest.
The relationship never recovered during their playing days. O’Neal was traded to Miami in 2004, and the Lakers built around Bryant. After Bryant’s tragic death in 2020, O’Neal spoke emotionally about their reconciliation and his regret over the words exchanged.
This feud is a reminder that even the greatest partnerships can be torn apart by pride, and that the line between competitive fire and personal animosity is razor thin.
Draymond Green vs. Jordan Poole: One Punch Shatters a Dynasty
The Golden State Warriors’ dynasty was built on chemistry, talent, and trust. But in October 2022, that trust was shattered when Draymond Green punched teammate Jordan Poole during practice.
Reports say coach Steve Kerr encouraged Poole to stand up for himself against Green’s verbal barbs. Poole did, allegedly calling Green an “expensive backpack for 30”—a jab implying Green was carried by Stephen Curry. Green approached Poole, who shoved him, and Green responded with a devastating right hook that knocked Poole to the ground.
The punch was caught on video and leaked by TMZ, sparking national debate about locker room culture and leadership. Green was fined around $500,000 and voluntarily stepped away from the team. The real damage was to the locker room chemistry that had fueled four championships.
The Warriors traded Poole to the Wizards the following summer, choosing to keep Green. Many criticized this as a mistake that cost the franchise its future. Green expressed remorse, calling the punch a mistake and admitting, “I f—ed up.” He discussed how his upbringing influenced his reaction, but learned not everyone shares that perspective.
This incident is a stark example of how one moment of rage can alter the trajectory of a dynasty.
Kevin Garnett vs. Kendrick Perkins: Intensity Unleashed in Boston
Kevin Garnett is one of the NBA’s most intense competitors. His trash talk is legendary; his defensive prowess, Hall of Fame worthy. But what happens when that intensity is directed at a teammate?
Paul Pierce shared a story in August 2025 about Garnett nearly doing serious harm to Kendrick Perkins during the 2008-09 Celtics season. Garnett was frustrated, sidelined by injury, and during a team meeting, Perkins said something that set Garnett off. Pierce recalled Garnett approaching Perkins aggressively, veins bulging, sweat pouring, and yelling with such ferocity that Pierce thought Garnett might actually kill Perkins.
Teammates intervened before punches were thrown, but the intensity left a lasting impression. Ironically, Pierce noted that the confrontation may have motivated the team and fueled their championship drive.
Garnett’s story is a reminder that intensity can be both a weapon and a liability—and that the line between motivation and menace is often blurred.
Bobby Portis vs. Nikola Mirotic: A Punch That Broke a Face—and a Team
On October 17, 2017, Chicago Bulls teammates Bobby Portis and Nikola Mirotic got into an altercation during practice that changed both careers. The two forwards were competing for the starting power forward spot, and competitive banter escalated. Mirotic allegedly pushed Portis, who responded by punching Mirotic square in the face.
Mirotic was hospitalized with a concussion and multiple facial fractures, including a broken jaw that required surgery. He missed significant time, and Portis was suspended for eight games without pay—the longest suspension for an intrateam altercation in recent NBA history.
Despite playing well together upon Mirotic’s return, tensions never fully healed. Mirotic was traded to the Pelicans in February 2018. Portis called the incident a life lesson, admitting it damaged his reputation but forced personal growth. He went on to win an NBA championship with the Bucks in 2021, cleaning his image. Mirotic eventually moved to Europe and hasn’t returned to the NBA.
This story shows how violence can leave both physical and psychological scars—and how redemption is always possible.
Jimmy Butler and the Timberwolves: Psychological Warfare
Jimmy Butler is known for his intensity and high standards. In October 2018, Butler, demanding a trade from the Minnesota Timberwolves, showed up to practice with a point to prove. During a scrimmage, he teamed up with third-string players to beat the starters, including franchise cornerstones Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins.
Butler verbally targeted everyone—teammates, coaches, even the GM—shouting phrases like, “You need me!” as he dominated the scrimmage. The confrontation didn’t involve physical violence, but the psychological damage was significant. Teammates were humiliated, the coaching staff undermined, and the organization’s dirty laundry aired for all to see.
Butler was traded to the 76ers a month later, but the incident left lasting scars. His intensity has followed him throughout his career, sometimes burning those closest to him.
Russell Westbrook vs. Aaron Gordon: Playoff Pressure Boils Over
Russell Westbrook’s intensity is legendary. In May 2025, that fire put him at odds with Denver Nuggets teammate Aaron Gordon during a high-stakes playoff run. After a game two loss to the Clippers, Westbrook—frustrated by his own performance—was confronted by Gordon in the locker room about his attitude.
Described as a heated discussion focused on accountability, no punches were thrown, but the tension was palpable. An anonymous Nuggets player told ESPN that Westbrook was “immature,” sparking backlash. Gordon publicly defended Westbrook, calling the report arbitrary and a hit piece.
This incident highlights the delicate balance between competitive intensity and team chemistry—and how quickly locker room tensions can become national headlines when playoffs are on the line.
Kobe Bryant’s High School Chase: Intensity from the Start
Before Kobe Bryant became the Black Mamba, he was a teenager at Lower Merion High School with a competitive streak that bordered on terrifying. During his senior year, Bryant had gone undefeated in free-throw drills for four years. In one practice, teammate Rob Schwarz missed his shots and cost them the drill. Bryant snapped, chasing Schwarz across campus for over 200 yards, screaming obscenities.
No physical harm occurred, and Schwarz later laughed off the incident. But it was a sign of the intensity that would define Bryant’s career.
Conclusion: Brotherhood, Battle, and the Fine Line in the NBA
These stories reveal the volatile reality behind the NBA’s glamorous facade. Locker room confrontations, whether fueled by trash talk, ego, or playoff pressure, can turn brotherhood into battle. Sometimes the line is crossed, leading to violence, broken bones, or even criminal charges. Other times, the intensity pushes teams to greatness.
What’s undeniable is that the drive to win can bring out both the best and worst in NBA players. The league continues to evolve, but as long as the stakes are high and the personalities larger than life, locker room drama will remain part of basketball’s DNA.