Luka Doncic is facing a potential one-game suspension after picking up his 16th technical foul of the season during the Los Angeles Lakers’ 116-99 win over the Brooklyn Nets.
The incident occurred late in the third quarter following an offensive foul, when Doncic became involved in a confrontation with Nets forward Ziaire Williams. After a brief exchange, both players were issued technical fouls.
Officials reviewed the altercation, determining that Doncic had pushed Williams, who then reacted by swiping toward his face.
Speaking after the game, Doncic was clearly frustrated with the call.
“[Williams] was yelling in my face – three times,” he said after finishing with 41 points.
“I just wanted to get out of there. It’s a double tech, of course. What can I say? I didn’t even talk. I just wanted to get out of there. And they said I pushed, my push was ‘exaggerated,’ which [it] was obviously not. And I don’t know what else to tell you.”
The foul takes Doncic to the NBA threshold for an automatic suspension, though there remains a slim possibility it could be rescinded on appeal. A similar technical issued last week during an exchange with Orlando’s Goga Bitadze was overturned after review.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick has already admitted that they will challenge the decision.
“I’m sure we will appeal it,” Redick said, admitting he did not have a clear view of the incident at the time.
If upheld, Doncic would miss Monday’s home game against the Washington Wizards, although recent form suggests the Lakers could cope in his absence.
The team has won 11 of their last 12 games, with Doncic averaging 39.7 points across that stretch.
The Lakers then face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday in the second half of a back-to-back, a fixture that could benefit from the added rest if the suspension is enforced.
