Joe Johnson Criticizes Luka Doncic's Technical Foul Suspension

Lakers star's lack of discipline could hurt team's playoff seeding and MVP chances, veteran says.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 5:21pm

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Joe Johnson has criticized Luka Doncic for picking up his 16th technical foul, which will result in a one-game suspension for the Lakers star. Johnson believes Doncic needs to be more disciplined, especially with the Lakers fighting for playoff positioning and Doncic in the MVP race. The veteran says Doncic should have been more aware of the stakes and the importance of each game down the stretch.

Why it matters

Doncic's suspension comes at a crucial time for the Lakers, who are in a tight race for playoff seeding in the Western Conference. The team holds just a one-game lead over the fourth-seeded Nuggets and a three-game lead over the fifth-seeded Timberwolves, so any slip-ups could cost them valuable positioning. Doncic's MVP candidacy is also on the line, as he trails frontrunners Victor Wembanyama and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Johnson believes Doncic needs to be more disciplined to ensure the Lakers don't waste any more winnable games and to bolster his MVP case.

The details

Doncic has been the driving force behind the Lakers' recent surge, leading the team in scoring in all but one game over their last 16 contests. During this stretch, he's averaged 36.5 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.1 assists while shooting 39.0% from 3-point range. However, Doncic's 16th technical foul against the Nets will result in a one-game suspension, leaving the Lakers without their star player. Johnson believes Doncic should have been more aware of the stakes and the importance of each game down the stretch, especially with the Lakers fighting for playoff positioning and Doncic in the MVP race.

  • Doncic picked up his 16th technical foul against the Brooklyn Nets.

The players

Luka Doncic

The Lakers' star player who is in the midst of an MVP-caliber season, averaging 36.5 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.1 assists over the team's last 16 games.

Joe Johnson

A veteran NBA player who has criticized Doncic for his lack of discipline in picking up his 16th technical foul, which will result in a one-game suspension.

Victor Wembanyama

One of the frontrunners in the NBA MVP race, ahead of Doncic.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Another frontrunner in the NBA MVP race, ahead of Doncic.

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What they’re saying

“In the game of hoops, you have to be able to control your emotions, bro. Understanding what's at stake. Bro they done gave you 15 strikes already... You the hottest thing since fish grease in the league right now scoring the ball, we need you bro! We don't need you sitting out. We're coming down the wire neck and neck with a couple teams.”

— Joe Johnson, NBA Veteran

What’s next

The Lakers will have to play their next game without Doncic, which could impact their playoff seeding and Doncic's MVP chances if they lose. The team will need to find a way to win without their star player.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the importance of discipline and awareness for star players, especially when their teams are fighting for playoff positioning and individual accolades like the MVP award. Doncic's lack of discipline in this case could have significant consequences for the Lakers and his own MVP candidacy.