Los Angeles Lakers franchise player Luka Dončić is currently playing some of his best basketball of the season as the team fights to secure home-court advantage in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.
While his passion is generally considered a positive trait, its negative side has made headlines recently, as he picked up his 16th technical foul, earning a one-game suspension. A multi-time All-Star weighed in and called Dončić out for not controlling his emotions.
Why Joe Johnson Says Luka Dončić Needs to Stay on the Court
Seven-time All-Star Joe Johnson criticized Dončić for hurting the Lakers by getting his 16th technical foul and earning a suspension. While discussing Dončić on the “Nightcap Podcast,” Johnson said, “In the game of hoops you have to be able to control your emotions bro. Understanding what’s at stake, bro they done gave you 15 strikes already.” Johnson added, “We need you bro!”
Joe Johnson is disappointed in Luka after getting his 16th technical foul last night:
“In the game of hoops, you have to be able to control your emotions bro. Understanding what’s at stake. Bro they done gave you 15 strikes already… You the hottest thing since fish grease in… pic.twitter.com/T7du19RV1M
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) March 28, 2026
Dončić was involved in a brief altercation with Brooklyn Nets wing Ziare Williams during the Lakers’ 116-99 win over the Nets. Dončić made contact with Williams before Williams reacted, and both players earned technical fouls.
The result was Dončić earning his 16th technical and an automatic one-game suspension. He nearly earned a suspension a few games ago after a heated discussion with Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze before the league rescinded the technical foul.
Dončić scored 41 points to go along with 8 rebounds and 3 assists against the Nets. That performance followed a 43-point, 6-rebound, 7-assist performance in his previous outing against the Indiana Pacers, as he continues to lead the NBA in scoring at 33.7 points per game. That’s why, as Johnson points out, the Lakers need him to stay on the court.
Known for his temper, trash-talking, and frequent ref complaints, Dončić has had several seasons in which he reached 15 technical fouls, but has avoided a one-game suspension until now, it seems. As Johnson points out, this is a frustrating situation for the Lakers, who are fighting to earn home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs and avoid the Play-In Tournament.
The Lakers are currently third in the standings with a 48-26 record, but the Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Houston Rockets are close behind. If there’s one way to potentially take the heat off Dončić, he could potentially serve his suspension while the team faces the Washington Wizards.
The Wizards are one of the worst teams in the league, and the Lakers probably don’t even need Dončić to beat them, especially if LeBron James and Austin Reaves are in the lineup. Regardless, Johnson believes that Dončić is adding unnecessary stress to the team.
