Luka Doncic Trending Toward Suspension After Latest Technical

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Kevin Matthew Borba | Last updated Mar 4, 2026 1:38 AM ET

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic has been facing scrutiny over the past couple of weeks for his frequent complaining to officials. The six-time NBA All-Star is one of the more vocal players in the league, but it certainly comes at a cost.

Doncic, 27, came into Tuesday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans averaging 32.5 points, 7.7 rebounds and 8.6 assists on 47.3% shooting from the field and 36% from deep. Despite the Lakers fighting to stay out of the NBA Play-In range, Doncic is leading the NBA in points per game

However, aside from lighting the league up with his tremendous scoring ability, the Slovenian also ranks among the league leaders in an unflattering category. Doncic, who the Lakers acquired via a trade from the Dallas Mavericks last season in a deal centered around Anthony Davis, ranks No. 2 in the NBA in technical fouls with 13.

Los Angeles Lakers forward/guard Luka Doncic (77) talks to Head Coach JJ Redick against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at Smoothie King Center.Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

With the Lakers on a two-game winning streak and a prime opportunity to take advantage of playing one of the weaker teams in the West, the New Orleans Pelicans, Doncic made a costly mistake. With the Lakers leading 51-48 with 1:17 remaining in the second quarter, Doncic was at the line shooting a pair of free-throws.

The 77.2% free-throw shooter missed his first and immediately threw up his hands at the officials, indicating that he felt there was a lane violation committed by the Pelicans. Doncic ended up nailing the second, but isntantly began jawing at the offical to complain about the uncalled lane violation.

Luka Doncic misses the 1st free throw, complains to the referees about a lane violation by a Pelican player, makes the second free throw, keeps on complaining, gets a technical foul, and Austin Reaves hold him back (with a replay) pic.twitter.com/dQQ39pNoTm
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) March 4, 2026

The official wasted no time giving him technical No. 14 on the year, but now Doncic finds himself just a couple away from a suspension, as confirmed by ESPN's Dave McMenamin.

"Luka Doncic's technical foul tonight is his 14th of the season," wrote McMenamin. "Two more and he'll be suspended a game. Something to monitor as the Lakers fight for playoff seeding with 21 games left after tonight."

Considering Doncic has been awfully testy lately, this could very well be a problem down the road. With the Western Conference standings so close, the last thing the Lakers can afford is to lose Doncic for a pivotal game that will impact their standing.

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

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