Mark Medina
LOS ANGELES — Lakers star Luka Dončić will serve a one-game suspension for Monday’s game against the Washington Wizards after collecting his 16th technical during Friday’s eventual 116-99 win over the Brooklyn Nets.
Dončić and Nets guard Ziaire Williams picked up double technicals with 5:12 left in the third quarter. Dončić lightly tapped Williams’ back as he stepped into his personal space. Williams then smacked Dončić’s chin.
“I didn’t even talk,” Dončić said. “I just wanted to get out of there. They said my push was exaggerated, which was obviously not. I don’t know what else to say.”
Dončić immediately took issue with the call. Hence, Lakers coach JJ Redick said, “I’m sure we will appeal it.” But it’s not clear if the NBA will rescind Dončić’s technical. The NBA already granted that courtesy to Dončić after he exchanged words with Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze during Saturday’s game. Afterwards, Dončić told reporters that Bitadze made vulgar comments about his family, an accusation that Bitadze denied to ESPN and to the Orlando Sentinel. The Lakers then appealed the ruling to the NBA.
“He was in my face three times,” Dončić said of Williams. “I just wanted to get out of there. It was a double tech of course. What can I say?”
Dončić can say plenty about his play. He posted 41 points while shooting 15-for-25 from the field and 5-for-10 from 3 against the Nets. Through 15 games in March, Dončić has led the NBA in points per game (36.9) while shooting 48.4% from the field and 38.1% from deep. Dončić also remains the league’s leader this season for most 40-point games (15).
“Just playing my game,” Dončić said. “Just trying to get downhill . Sometimes the 3 is going. Sometimes not. So trying to touch the paint, make plays and see what the defense gives me.”
The Lakers (48-26) won’t be able to rely on Dončić ‘s presence on Monday against the Wizards (17-56). But Dončić could use the rest. The Lakers originally listed him as questionable for Friday’s game because of soreness in his left hamstring. The Lakers completed a six-game, nine-day trip. And he has averaged 37.2 minutes in the past 15 games.
Said Dončić: “I definitely will get a lot of ice in my recovery.”
