Luka Doncic scores 41 points but picks up 16th technical foul in Lakers' win over Nets

Doncic's technical foul triggers an automatic one-game suspension as Lakers defeat Nets 116-99

Mar. 28, 2026 at 5:22am

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Luka Doncic had a dominant 41-point, 8-rebound performance for the Los Angeles Lakers in their 116-99 victory over the Brooklyn Nets, but the star guard also picked up his 16th technical foul of the season, triggering an automatic one-game suspension.

Why it matters

Doncic's technical foul issues have been a recurring problem this season, and the Lakers will now have to play an important game without their leading scorer as they try to solidify their position in the Western Conference playoff race.

The details

Doncic scored 41 points and grabbed 8 rebounds to lead the Lakers to the win over the Nets. However, he also picked up his 16th technical foul of the season, which triggers an automatic one-game suspension per NBA rules. The Lakers were able to pull away in the fourth quarter, with Austin Reaves scoring 15 of his 26 points in the final frame to secure the victory.

  • The game was played on Friday, March 28, 2026.

The players

Luka Doncic

The star guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, who scored 41 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in the game but also picked up his 16th technical foul of the season, triggering an automatic one-game suspension.

Austin Reaves

The Lakers guard who scored 15 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter to help the team pull away and secure the victory.

LeBron James

The veteran Lakers forward who contributed 14 points and 8 assists in the win.

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What they’re saying

“Luka's been playing at an MVP level all season, so losing him for a game is a big blow. But we've got to find a way to win without him.”

— Frank Vogel, Lakers Head Coach

What’s next

The Lakers will have to play their next game without Luka Doncic due to his 16th technical foul triggering an automatic one-game suspension.

The takeaway

Luka Doncic's technical foul issues have been a persistent problem for the Lakers this season, and his upcoming suspension will test the team's depth and ability to win without their star player as they try to solidify their playoff positioning.