AUBURN HILLS, MICH. ? Karl Malone will not be charged in a confrontation with a fan who said the Lakers’ forward poked him in the face before Game 3 of the NBA Finals.

Oakland County Prosecutor David Gorcyca said Monday that Malone did put a finger on Happy Asker’s cheek, but it wasn’t enough to warrant prosecution.

“I don’t think that he intended to hurt him,” Gorcyca said. “All Mr. Malone has to worry about now is guarding Ben and Rasheed Wallace.”

In a dispute shown repeatedly on national television, Asker was at the edge of the court during Los Angeles’ layup drill before Thursday night’s game, won by the Detroit Pistons, 88-68.

Asker, 28, heckled and swore at Malone before the player responded and poked at him, Gorcyca said.