Luka Doncić will be unavailable for the Los Angeles Lakers’ game against the Washington Wizards. The NBA suspended the MVP candidate one game for accumulating too many technical fouls this season.
Doncic’s Disappointment
“He’s disappointed,” said Lakers coach JJ Redick following Sunday’s practice, according to reports. “(Dončić) wants to be there for his teammates. … We’re gonna need everybody tomorrow.”
Dončić received his 16th technical foul of the season on March 27, during a game in which he led the Lakers to a 116-99 victory over the Brooklyn Nets at Crypto.com Arena.
The Incident Against the Nets
Dončić was seen pushing Nets forward Ziaire Williams. Williams then retaliated by swinging his arm back and hitting Dončić in the face. Williams received his fourth technical foul of the season and was not suspended.
NBA Rules on Technical Fouls
NBA rules indicate that a player or coach will automatically be suspended without pay for one game once they receive their 16th technical foul of the regular season. The player will be suspended for one regular-season game for every two additional technical fouls that he receives.
Lakers’ Recent Performance
The Lakers enter Monday’s game having won 11 of their last 12 games. Los Angeles sits third in the Western Conference standings with a 48-26 overall record.