According to a report by ESPN, the Los Angeles Lakers have appealed to the NBA to rescind the technical foul Luka Doncic picked up against the Orlando Magic on Saturday. Doncic was penalized for his involvement in a verbal spat with Magic center Goga Bitadze.
This marked Doncic’s 16th technical foul of the season, meaning that he will miss the team’s next game if it is not rescinded. While the NBA can rescind his suspension, it remains to be seen whether it will.
The incident occurred late during the Lakers’ 105-104 win against Orlando. The referee handed a double technical to Doncic and Bitadze with just over a minute left in the third quarter. The decision was prompted by a verbal spat between the two while Doncic shot free throws.
According to a report from Clutch Points, the Lakers “believe” the situation warranted more restraint and that Doncic should have received a warning. Crew chief Marc Davis says that both Bitadze and the Lakers star were warned before being penalized.
If the suspension stands, Doncic will miss Monday’s game against the Eastern Conference leaders, the Detroit Pistons. His absence could disrupt the Lakers. The team is third in the Western Conference with a 46-25 record.
Luka Doncic admits to letting the Lakers down after picking up a technical against the Orlando Magic
Speaking to reporters after Saturday’s game, Luka Doncic admitted that he should have shown more restraint, explaining how he had to stand up for himself after Goga Bitadze seemingly crossed a line.
“I’m definitely hoping [it is rescinded],” Doncic said. “Obviously, I let my team down getting that last tech. But honestly, I wasn’t trying to. [Bitadze] said at the free throw, he would f— my whole family. And at some point, this is a basketball court. At some point, I just can’t stand it. I got to stand up for myself. But I know I got to do better.”
Luka Doncic has been key for the Lakers over their recent run, recording 40.0 points, 8.4 rebounds and 7.4 assists per game over that stretch. Even a one-game absence from him could end the team’s nine-game winning streak.
Read More: Luka Doncic Opened the Door to Only One Team When Mavericks Decided to Trade Him
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
