Lakers’ Luka Doncic fined $50K for ‘inappropriate gesture’

The NBA has fined Luka Doncic $50,000 for directing what the league called an “inappropriate and unprofessional gesture” toward a game official during Sunday’s win over the New York Knicks.

The incident occurred in the third quarter after Knicks guard Landry Shamet stripped Doncic of the ball. Moments later, Doncic attempted to draw a charge against Mohamed Diawara in transition but was instead called for a blocking foul.

While lying on his back following the play, Doncic appeared to rub his fingers together in the familiar “money gesture” while staring toward a game official.

According to Sportsnet, the penalty pushes Doncic’s total fines for the season to $95,000.

It also comes as the Lakers star continues to walk a fine line with technical fouls. Doncic has been assessed 15 technicals this season, one shy of the league lead currently held by Dillon Brooks of the Phoenix Suns.

Under NBA rules, a player who receives a 16th technical foul during the regular season automatically receives a one-game suspension. After that, every two additional technical fouls trigger another suspension without pay.

In other words, Doncic may want to keep his cool the rest of the way.