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Fresh Accusations Emerge Against NBA in Wake of Luka Doncic Incident

Originally posted on AirJordanChronicles | By Utsav Sinha | Last updated Mar 23, 2026 8:44 PM ET

A normal technical foul shifted into a big controversy as the NBA’s decision to overturn Luka Doncic’s foul got the noted sports commentator Skip Bayless questioning the league’s fairness and preferential treatment.

The issue escalated when the officials revoked the double technical fouls issued to Doncic on March 21, during the third quarter of the Lakers’ match against the Orlando Magic. This could have been his 16th technical foul of the season. It could’ve led to a one-match suspension without any fine. So, if the decision was not reversed, Luka would have missed his next game against the Detroit Pistons.

On March 22, Bayless condemned the decision to overturn Doncic’s technical with an X update and called it “ridiculous.” He criticized the league’s call, saying, “The NBA obviously doesn’t want to lose its biggest ratings draw and gate attraction … who gets away with arguing every call.”

Luka's tech rescinded? Ridiculous. He obviously started it with Goga, Goga responded in kind, then Luka escalated it all the way back up the floor. But the NBA obviously doesn't want to lose its biggest ratings draw and gate attraction … who gets away with arguing every call.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) March 22, 2026

The NBA officials maintain a different perspective. They said that the fouls were reversed only after following a standard postgame review. The league explained that the interaction didn’t meet the technical fouls criteria.

What Actually Happened Between Luka Doncic and Goga Bitadze?

In the 3rd quarter, with 1:19 remaining, the Lakers were chasing the Orlando by 85-82. The moment was intense, though the game was secured by the Lakers with a 105-104 final score.

The tension initiated with Luka at the free-throw line. He missed his first attempt and took a break to have some words with an official. He then flicked his finger in Bitadze’s direction. A verbal exchange started, and in response, the officials issued a warning to both players.

After the 2nd free throw, when players moved to the frontcourt, the verbal argument continued. Officials have to stop the game and call double technical fouls. The crew chief then explained that fouls were for “unsportsmanlike comments” and “continual taunting.”

The Lakers immediately appealed the decision, and Luka continued to play and finish with 33 points. His elite performance allowed the Lakers to win a crucial match and keep their winning streak alive.

The very next day, the league erased both the technical fouls. Luka is not cleared to start against the Pistons, which helped the team to prevent losing their leading scorer. The decision only sparked the favoritism narrative.

But while Luka Doncic continues to play without any interruption, do you think Bayless’ assessment was right?

This article first appeared on AirJordanChronicles and was syndicated with permission.

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