Trevor Booker Throws Punch At Roy Hibbert, Ejected From Preseason Game

Things got heated up during a preseason game between Utah Jazz forward Trevor Booker and Los Angeles Lakers center Roy Hibbert on Tuesday while both teams were playing at University of Hawaii’s Stan Sheriff Center.

In the third quarter, Hibbert had approached Booker during stoppage of play to be in each other’s faces exchanging words. Booker then proceeded to hit Hibbert in the face with an open hand and before any more engagement happens, Hibbert was held back by his teammates so nothing else could happen in terms of injury. Booker was charged with two technical fouls and ejected for the rest of the game. The Jazz did go on to win in overtime with a 117-114 win over the Lakers.

“That’s what normally happens, but I’m happy to have teammates that will have my back,” Hibbert said of the altercation. Asked about Booker, he replied, “I ain’t worried about him. I’m not going to speak on that.” Hibbert was acquired by the Lakers in an offseason trade with the Indiana Pacers.

The Lakers will kick off the regular season on October 28 against the Minnesota Timberwolves while the Jazz will tip off against the Detroit Pistons on the same day.