Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Lakers Facing Bronny James Decision After Luka Doncic News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Mar 22, 2026 4:00 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers extended their winning streak to nine games on Saturday with a 105–104 victory over the Orlando Magic. The win came in dramatic fashion, as Luke Kennard knocked down a three-pointer with 2.6 seconds remaining off a baseline out-of-bounds play.

Luka Doncic led the Lakers with 33 points, five rebounds and eight assists, while Austin Reaves added 26 points, seven rebounds and five assists. LeBron James contributed 12 points, six rebounds and four assists as Los Angeles improved to 46-25.

The game, however, was not without controversy, perhaps none more consequential than an incident involving Doncic.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77)Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

During the third quarter, Doncic was assessed a technical foul following an exchange with Goga Bitadze, marking his 16th technical foul of the season.

Under NBA rules, that results in an automatic one-game suspension, which would rule the league’s leading scorer this season out of Monday’s game against the Detroit Pistons, though the Lakers have filed an appeal.

Doncic admitted after the game he left his team down by getting the suspension-triggering technical, but claimed Bitadze made remarks about his family that crossed the line (via ESPN).

Luka Doncic is called for a technical foul with 1:19 to go in the 3rd Q, along with Goga Bitadze. If the tech is not rescinded after the game, it will be his 16th and will cost him a one-game suspension when LAL plays in DET on Monday.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) March 22, 2026

While the Lakers continue to wait for the result of their appeal, Doncic’s potential absence creates a gap in the backcourt rotation and could open the door for Bronny James to see some minutes.

James has split time between the NBA roster and the G League this season, appearing in 32 NBA games and averaging 2.1 points, 0.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists in limited minutes. He last played two minutes against the Minnesota Timberwolves and has not logged any minutes in the Lakers’ last six games despite being with the team.

In the G League, however, he has taken on a significantly larger role with the South Bay Lakers. James is averaging 15.3 points, 2.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 12 games, and has shown improved efficiency.

With Doncic’s status uncertain, Monday’s matchup could present a rare opportunity for James to re-enter the rotation as the Lakers look to extend their current winning streak.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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