Lakers' Luka Doncic Cleared to Play After NBA Rescinds 16th Technical Foul

Doncic will be available for Monday's game against the Detroit Pistons.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 8:22pm

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Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic has been cleared to play in Monday night's game against the Detroit Pistons after the NBA rescinded his 16th technical foul of the season. Doncic and Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze each received a technical foul during the teams' game on Saturday, but the NBA announced on Sunday that both had been rescinded, avoiding a one-game suspension for Doncic.

Why it matters

Doncic has been a driving force behind the Lakers' recent nine-game winning streak, averaging 40 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 7.4 assists during that span. His availability is crucial as the Lakers take on the Eastern Conference-leading Pistons.

The details

The technical foul incident occurred with 1:19 left in the third quarter of Saturday's game between the Lakers and Magic. Doncic and Bitadze exchanged words while Doncic was at the free-throw line, and the conversation appeared to continue as they walked down the court. The NBA's decision to rescind both technical fouls means Doncic will not face a one-game suspension, which would have been triggered by his 16th technical foul of the season.

  • The technical foul incident occurred on Saturday, March 22, 2026.
  • The NBA announced the technical fouls were rescinded on Sunday, March 23, 2026.
  • Doncic will be available to play on Monday, March 24, 2026 against the Detroit Pistons.

The players

Luka Doncic

A star player for the Los Angeles Lakers who has been a driving force behind the team's recent nine-game winning streak, averaging 40 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 7.4 assists during that span.

Goga Bitadze

A center for the Orlando Magic who received a technical foul along with Doncic during the teams' game on Saturday.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

The takeaway

Doncic's availability for the Lakers' upcoming game against the Pistons is crucial as the team looks to continue their winning streak and solidify their position in the playoff race. The NBA's decision to rescind the technical fouls highlights the league's efforts to ensure star players remain on the court and contribute to exciting matchups.