It’s not a good look for Luka Dončić, as the Los Angeles Lakers star is possibly facing a suspension for the next game against the Detroit Pistons. Undeniably one of the best NBA players right now, Dončić picked up his 16th technical foul in the game against the Orlando Magic, which is likely to result in a one-game suspension.
Luka Dončić Faces Suspension Against Pistons After 16th Technical Foul
Clearly in the MVP race and the integral ballhandler with LeBron James treading behind him, Dončić had a historic outing against the Miami Heat. He recorded 60 points, becoming the first Laker to do so since Kobe Bryant in his final game in 2016. The accomplishment came after his 40-point effort over the Houston Rockets.
But things took a different turn on Saturday night when Dončić and Goga Bitadze engaged in a heated altercation in the Lakers-Magic game. The situation unfolded when Dončić was at the free-throw line, and the two began hurling taunts at each other.
Both received technical fouls, and it was Dončić’s 16th, which means an automatic one-game suspension pending a league review.
“Luka Dončić is called for a technical foul with 1:19 to go in the 3rd Q, along with Goga Bitadze. If the tech is not rescinded after the game, it will be his 16th and will cost him a one-game suspension when LAL plays in DET on Monday.”
The Lakers outscored the Magic 105-104, with Dončić contributing 33 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists.
READ MORE: Luka Dončić On His 36-Point Performance Despite Lakers’ Victory: ‘I Could Have Done a Lot Better’
Dončić, considered a once-in-a-generation playmaker, has often been compared to LeBron James for his elite court vision. At the same time, his footwork and scoring ability are frequently mentioned in the same conversation as Larry Bird’s. The Slovenian’s relatively young age doesn’t prevent him from showing veteran-like caliber in controlling the pace, earning five All-NBA First Team selections.
After the match, Dončić issued a clarification that Bitadze crossed the line and took a swipe at his family: “At some point, this is a basketball court, and at some point, I can’t stand … I’ve got to stand up for myself. But I know I’ve got to do better. My teammates, I know they have my back. So, I let them down today.”
On the other hand, Bitadze said that Dončić’s statements were untrue, adding that he merely responded to something Dončić said in Serbian.
The Lakers have appealed the suspension, and if the appeal is unsuccessful, Dončić is expected to miss the Lakers-Pistons game on March 23.
