Luka Doncic recounts sideline clash as Lakers appeal star’s 16th technical foul

The Los Angeles Lakers will likely be without their MVP candidate Luka Doncic for Monday’s pivotal matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Doncic triggered an automatic one-game suspension Saturday night after receiving his 16th technical foul of the season during a heated exchange with Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze.

“He [Bitadze] said at the free-throw line he would f*** my whole family,” Doncic told reporters post-game. “At some point, I just can’t stand it. I have to stand up for myself.”

While the league office will review the play, the 16th tech carries a mandatory one-game ban under NBA rules. This leaves Lakers head coach JJ Redick with a massive void to fill in the backcourt as the team heads to New Orleans.

Tracking Luka’s 16 technical fouls

Doncic’s season has been defined as much by his scoring brilliance as his frequent friction with officiating and opponents. Here is the road to his 16th technical:

• 1st Tech (Oct 2025 vs. Suns): Luka shouted at official Scott Foster after a “no-call” on a drive.
• 2nd Tech (Nov 2025 vs. Warriors): Whistled for throwing the ball high into the air in frustration.
• 3rd Tech (Nov 2025 vs. Kings): A “prolonged” argument with an official during a timeout.
• 4th Tech (Dec 2025 vs. Mavericks): He was hit with a tech for “taunting” the Mavs bench after hitting a step-back three.
• 5th Tech (Dec 2025 vs. Clippers): Whistled for a “disrespectful” wave-off gesture toward an official.
• 6th Tech (Jan 2026 vs. Grizzlies): Received for screaming “And-1!” directly in a referee’s face after a contested layup.
• 7th Tech (Jan 2026 vs. Bucks): An automatic tech for “double-clapping” in the face of an official after a personal foul call.
• 8th Tech (Jan 2026 vs. Celtics): Luka kicked the ball into the stands after a frustrated turnover.
• 9th Tech (Feb 2026 vs. 76ers): Hit with a tech after he mockingly “applauded” a referee’s decision to call a travel on him.
• 10th Tech (Feb 2026 vs. Suns): Another confrontation with Dillon Brooks. Both players received double-technicals.
• 11th Tech (Feb 2026 vs. Bulls): Luka was whistled for using profanity that was audible to the first few rows of the crowd.
• 12th Tech (Feb 2026 vs. Heat): Received for “continual complaining” throughout the first half.
• 13th Tech (Feb 2026 vs. Knicks): Luka flashed the sign at an official, implying they were “bought,” which resulted in a $50,000 league fine alongside the technical.
• 14th Technical (vs. New Orleans Pelicans, February 2026): Lane violation dispute vs. Pelicans.
• 15th Technical (vs. Denver Nuggets, March 5, 2026):
  During a physical second quarter, Luka was whistled after a non-call on a drive to the basket.
• 16th Technical (vs. Orlando Magic, March 21, 2026):
  This foul occurred late in the third quarter after a heated verbal exchange with Magic center Goga Bitadze.

What’s next for the Lakers?

With Doncic sidelined, the Lakers’ depth will be tested against a Pelicans team fighting for playoff positioning. Expect JJ Redick to lean heavily on the players on the roster to handle the primary playmaking duties on Monday night.