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Lakers Make Luka Doncic Decision After Unfortunate News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Mar 22, 2026 6:33 AM ET

Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic’s latest strong performance was overshadowed by an untoward incident on Saturday night.

Doncic led the way for the Lakers in their 105-104 win over the Orlando Magic. The six-time All-Star had another big game, dropping 33 points, five rebounds, eight assists, four steals, a block and three triples in 38 minutes of action.

Doncic has been on a blistering streak of late, leading the Lakers to nine straight wins. With the five-time All-NBA guard on a heater, L.A. has looked like a very dangerous team in the Western Conference as the NBA playoffs approach.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts to a call from referee Courtney Kirkland (61).Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

Doncic, however, received a technical foul during the Magic game after an untoward incident involving Orlando center Goga Bitadze. Doncic and Bitadze had a heated exchange at one point in the game, leading to Doncic’s 16th technical foul of the season.

Per NBA rules, Doncic must serve a one-game suspension after accumulating 16 technical fouls throughout the regular season. He is now set to miss Monday’s game against the Detroit Pistons.

What did Luka just say? pic.twitter.com/202gJcRphY
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The Lakers are wasting no time. According to a report by ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the team has “already appealed to the NBA to rescind” the tech. The Lakers are standing behind their superstar and have decided to formally request that the NBA review and potentially rescind Doncic’s technical foul.

Doncic and Bitadze had conflicting accounts as to what they said during the incident.

Depending on the league’s decision, Doncic can still suit up in L.A.’s next game. It’s going to be a big one for the Lakers as they take on the 51-19 Pistons, the No. 1 team in the East.

The Lakers improved to 46-25 after Saturday’s win against the Magic. They remain third in the West. L.A. will be looking to make it 10 victories in a row on Monday, with or without Doncic.

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

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