Luka Dončić facing one-game suspension after getting 16th tech

Lakers star guard could miss next game against Wizards if technical foul is upheld

Mar. 28, 2026 at 4:21pm

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Los Angeles Lakers star guard Luka Dončić is in danger of receiving a one-game suspension after picking up his 16th technical foul of the season in the team's 116-99 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Friday. Dončić and Nets forward Zaire Williams received double technical fouls in the third quarter after an altercation on the court. This is the second time Dončić has faced a potential one-game suspension for technical fouls this season, but the Lakers are expected to appeal the latest call.

Why it matters

Technical fouls are an ongoing issue for Dončić, who leads the NBA in scoring but has also accumulated the most technical fouls this season. A one-game suspension could impact the Lakers' playoff positioning, as they currently sit third in the Western Conference with a 48-26 record.

The details

With five minutes left in the third quarter, Dončić and Nets forward Zaire Williams both received a double technical after an altercation on the court. The officials reviewed the play, which showed Dončić pushing Williams away and Williams retaliating by swinging his hand and hitting Dončić in the face. This is the second time Dončić has faced a potential one-game suspension for technical fouls, as he received his 16th of the season last weekend against the Magic, but the Lakers successfully appealed that call.

  • On March 24, Dončić received his 16th technical foul of the season in the Lakers' 105-104 win over the Magic.
  • On March 28, Dončić received his 16th technical foul of the season in the Lakers' 116-99 win over the Nets.

The players

Luka Dončić

A star guard for the Los Angeles Lakers who leads the NBA in scoring this season with 33.6 points per game.

Zaire Williams

A forward for the Brooklyn Nets who was involved in the altercation with Dončić that resulted in a double technical foul.

JJ Redick

The head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers who said the team will likely appeal Dončić's latest technical foul.

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What they’re saying

“Ziaire [Williams] hit my face three times. I just wanted to get out of there. It's a double tech, of course. What can I say? I didn't even talk. I just wanted to get out there. They said my push was exaggerated, which was obviously not. I don't know what else to say in this case.”

— Luka Dončić, Lakers Star Guard

“I'm sure we will appeal it. I'm not sure; I didn't see enough”

— JJ Redick, Lakers Head Coach

What’s next

The Lakers are expected to appeal Dončić's latest technical foul, which would be the second time they've appealed a technical on him this season. If the appeal is unsuccessful, Dončić would miss the Lakers' next game against the Washington Wizards.

The takeaway

Luka Dončić's technical foul issues have been an ongoing problem this season, as he leads the NBA in that category. The Lakers' success hinges heavily on Dončić's play, so avoiding a suspension for these technical fouls will be crucial as they jockey for playoff positioning in the Western Conference.