Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic has been suspended for one game. This follows his receiving his 16th technical foul during Friday’s win over the Brooklyn Nets, according to an announcement made on Saturday by the NBA.
Details of the Incident
The suspension will be served during Monday’s game against the Washington Wizards.
Doncic and Nets forward Ziaire Williams were both assessed double technical fouls. This occurred with 5:12 remaining in the third quarter of Friday’s game. The fouls were issued after the players jostled with each other following an offensive foul called on Doncic.
Video review showed Doncic pushing Williams, who then retaliated by swiping at Doncic’s face. Crew chief Sean Wright then issued a technical foul to both players.
Financial Implications for Doncic
The suspension will result in a financial penalty for Doncic. He will lose 1/174 of his annual salary, which equates to approximately $264,000.
Further technical fouls will lead to harsher penalties. For every two additional technical fouls Doncic receives between now and the end of the regular season, he will be automatically suspended for an additional game. The financial penalty will increase to 1/145 of his salary, or approximately $317,000.
Doncic’s Recent Performance
The punishment comes during a strong run of form for Doncic. The superstar has been averaging 39.7 points, 8.1 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 2.5 steals in his past 12 games.
Doncic’s Return
Doncic will be eligible to return to the lineup on Tuesday against the Cleveland Cavaliers. There will be seven games remaining on the Lakers’ regular-season schedule when he returns.