Luka Doncic, the Los Angeles Lakers' star guard, is facing a one-game suspension after receiving his 16th technical foul of the season during Friday's 116-99 win over the Brooklyn Nets. The incident occurred in the third quarter when Doncic and Nets forward Zaire Williams were both assessed double technical fouls following a brief scuffle.
Doncic, who finished the game with 41 points, eight rebounds, three assists, three steals, and a block, was initially called for an offensive foul. As he attempted to move past Williams, he placed his hand on Williams' back and gave him a subtle push. Williams responded by backhanding Doncic under the chin, prompting officials to review the play before issuing the technical fouls.
The NBA's rules mandate a one-game suspension without pay for players who accumulate 16 technical fouls in a season. Doncic previously avoided a suspension last week after the league rescinded a technical foul he received during a game against the Orlando Magic. That foul was overturned following an appeal by the Lakers, which claimed Orlando's Goga Bitadze directed a vulgar comment about Doncic's family in Serbian. Bitadze denied the allegation, stating that Doncic had used the curse word first.
With the latest technical foul, Doncic is subject to an automatic suspension for Monday's game against the Washington Wizards, which would cost him $264,000. The Lakers have not yet indicated whether they will appeal the decision.
Doncic addressed the incident post-game, stating that Williams was yelling in his face multiple times and that he simply wanted to move away. He acknowledged the double technical foul but did not elaborate further.