The Los Angeles Lakers will play without star guard Luka Doncic on Monday night when they host the Washington Wizards. The NBA suspended Doncic for one game after he received his 16th technical foul of the season during Friday's win over the Brooklyn Nets. The suspension will cost him approximately $264,000 in salary.
Doncic and Nets forward Ziaire Williams were both assessed double technical fouls in the third quarter after a physical altercation. Doncic lightly shoved Williams in the back, prompting the ejection. Speaking to reporters after the game, Doncic defended his actions, stating that Williams had been yelling in his face and that his push was exaggerated.
Despite the suspension, Doncic had a strong performance against the Nets, recording 41 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and five steals. The outing marked a historic milestone: he became the first Laker since Kobe Bryant (2012-13) to reach 100 steals in a season and the first in franchise history with 2,000-plus points and 500-plus rebounds in a single season.
Lakers coach JJ Redick, who played with Doncic in Dallas, expressed sympathy for his star player. 'He's disappointed,' Redick said. 'He wants to be there for his teammates. He's not a guy that takes games off.' Redick also noted that the team used the two-day break to reset mentally and strategically ahead of the playoffs.
If Doncic receives two more technical fouls before the regular season ends, he will be automatically suspended for an additional game. He is eligible to return on Tuesday when the Lakers host the Cleveland Cavaliers.