Los Angeles: Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Dončić has been suspended for one game after picking up his 16th technical foul of the season during Friday’s victory over the Brooklyn Nets.
The NBA confirmed the decision on Saturday, triggering an automatic suspension under league rules.
Dončić will serve the ban when the Lakers face the Washington Wizards on Monday, dealing a temporary blow to Los Angeles as they push toward the playoffs.
The incident occurred late in the third quarter when Dončić became involved in a physical exchange with Nets forward Ziaire Williams following an offensive foul. After some jostling between the two players, officials assessed double technical fouls. Video review later showed Dončić pushing Williams, who responded by swiping at the guard’s face.
Crew chief Sean Wright confirmed the calls.
Interestingly, Dončić had earlier reached the 16-technical threshold last weekend during a verbal altercation with Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze, but that foul was rescinded on appeal, temporarily postponing the suspension.
The one-game ban will cost Dončić approximately $264,000 — equivalent to 1/174th of his annual salary. Any additional two technical fouls from this point onward will result in further automatic suspensions, with increased financial penalties.
He is expected to return Tuesday against the Cleveland Cavaliers, with seven regular-season games remaining. The suspension comes at an unfortunate time for the Lakers, as Dončić is in scintillating form, averaging 39.7 points, 8.1 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 2.5 steals over his last 12 games — one of the hottest stretches of his season.
Source: ESPN
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