Luka Doncic can only blame himself for his looming suspension.
The Los Angeles Lakers star was all up in the face of Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze late in the third quarter of their matchup at Kia Center in Orlando, Fla. The dueling Europeans got called for a double technical foul.
While the fouls offset each other and had virtually no impact on Saturday’s game, the incident did result in Doncic picking up his 16th technical foul of the season. The 16-technical mark results in an automatic suspension, meaning Doncic will have to miss the Lakers’ Monday game against the Detroit Pistons.
Luka Doncic receives his 16th tech of the season and if it stands he will be suspended for Monday’s game vs. the Pistons. pic.twitter.com/UNUABrb6W2
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) March 22, 2026
The two began chirping during the previous possession after Bitadze fouled Doncic on a reach-in and sent the latter to the free-throw line. They exchanged words as the Lakers guard took his foul shots.
🚨Luka Doncic picks up his 16th tech and will be suspended next game pic.twitter.com/3ScVj4yZWQ
— NBAbzy (@nbabzyy) March 22, 2026
The technical may be rescinded upon appeal, which would allow Doncic to play in the marquee Lakers-Pistons matchup. However, it’s hard to imagine that taking place, given that Doncic was visibly harassing Bitadze as they walked down the court. Doncic claimed after the game that Bitadze had made a vulgar threat against his family.
Doncic finished Saturday’s tight contest with 33 points on 12/30 shooting to go along with 8 assists and 4 steals. He got the last laugh on Bitadze as Luka Kennard hit a game-winning triple in the final seconds to give the Lakers a 105-104 victory.
LUKE KENNARD GAME-WINNER IN ORLANDO 😱
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 22, 2026
BRON, LUKA & THE CREW LOVING IT. 9-STRAIGHT WINS FOR THE LAKERS 🔥 pic.twitter.com/QXDzgWzUg9
Kennard’s clutch shot extended the Lakers’ winning streak to 9 games. The streak will be tested on Monday, with Doncic likely out of the lineup against a Pistons team playing without Cade Cunningham.
