Luka Doncic’s absence with the Lakers vs. Wizards to cost him six figures in lost pay

The Los Angeles Lakers will be without superstar Luka Doncic for Monday’s matchup against the Washington Wizards. The MVP candidate is set to serve a mandatory one-game suspension after picking up his 16th technical foul of the season during the Lakers’ recent clash with the Detroit Pistons.

The outburst will prove costly for the Slovenian star. Under the NBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement, a player suspended for their 16th technical foul forfeits $1/174th of their annual base salary.

With Doncic earning $46 million this season, the one-game absence results in a roughly $264,000 hit to his paycheck.

While the loss of Doncic is a significant blow to the Lakers‘ backcourt, the suspension is limited to a single game; he is eligible to return to the active roster immediately following the contest in D.C.

Lakers depth tested

The suspension of Doncic comes at a difficult time for Los Angeles, as the training staff continues to manage a crowded injury tent.

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Three other key contributors have already been ruled out for Monday against the Wizards: Marcus Smart (G): OUT – Right ankle contusion, Adou Thiero (F): OUT – Knee injury, Maxi Kleber (F/C): OUT – Back injury.

Projected starting five for the Lakers

With the roster depleted, head coach JJ Redick (or your 2026 coach) will likely lean on Gabe Vincent to handle point guard duties. Here is how the Lakers are expected to line up against the Wizards:

• PG: Gabe Vincent (Filling in for the suspended Doncic)
• SG: Austin Reaves
• SF: Jake LaRavia
• PF: LeBron James
• C: Deandre Ayton