The Los Angeles Lakers secured a win against the Orlando Magic on Saturday night, but it came with a drawback.
Luka Doncic received his 16th technical foul of the season, resulting in a one-game suspension. According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the Lakers plan to appeal this decision in hopes it will be overturned.
The incident occurred late in the third quarter when Doncic and Goga Bitadze were assessed double technical fouls. Doncic attributed the situation to Bitadze crossing a line during the game.
Luka Doncic addresses Goga Bitadze’s remarks
“I’m definitely hoping [it is rescinded]. I let my team down getting that last tech. Honestly, I wasn’t trying to,” Doncic stated, as reported by ESPN. “[Bitadze] said at the free throw, he would [expletive] my whole family. At some point, I just can’t stand it. I have to stand up for myself. But I know I need to do better.”
Bitadze, the Magic player, denied any wrongdoing and claimed it was a misunderstanding. Doncic acknowledged that he should have kept calm and can now only wait for the committee’s decision.
“My teammates have my back, so I let them down today. But hopefully, it gets rescinded,” Doncic added.
Doncic finished the game with 33 points and eight assists. This marks his third career suspension due to reaching 16 technical fouls in a season. He has frequently argued with referees after calls and non-calls, and this might affect his appeal. The Lakers plan to argue that referees should have given warnings before issuing the technical fouls. If the suspension is upheld, Doncic will miss the Lakers’ game against the Detroit Pistons on Monday night.