nba action around Luka Dončić intensified this week, with the league issuing a $50, 000 fine for what it called an “inappropriate and unprofessional gesture” toward an official, while Dončić also sits one technical foul away from an automatic one-game suspension.
What Happened in the $50, 000 fine incident
The NBA fined Dončić $50, 000 stemming from an incident during Sunday’s 110-97 win over the New York Knicks. In the third quarter, Dončić attempted to take a charge on Knicks forward Mohamed Diawara. After he was knocked to the ground and assessed a blocking foul, Dončić looked toward a nearby official and rubbed his fingers together while still on the floor, a gesture the league described as “inappropriate and unprofessional. ”
The fine adds to a season in which Dončić has had repeated conflicts with officials. As of Tuesday, he had accumulated 15 technical fouls, putting him one away from a mandatory one-game suspension.
nba: Dončić one technical from an automatic one-game suspension
Dončić’s 15th technical foul came in Thursday’s 120-113 loss to the Nuggets in Denver. Official Dedrick Taylor assessed the technical after a no-call that Dončić believed involved a foul by Denver’s Bruce Brown. Play continued, and after the Nuggets scored, Taylor whistled the technical.
Dončić said he believed he was treated differently than other players for similar language and indicated he hoped the technical would be rescinded. Crew chief Ed Malloy explained to a pool reporter that the technical was called “for using profanity directed towards a referee, ” adding that officials are trained not to stop an offensive transition when calling a technical foul on the defense.
Lakers coach JJ Redick said the team has actively discussed limiting its interactions with officials. He also noted that Dončić understands how close he is to a suspension and said, “He’s aware that he’s close, ” adding, “And I think he’s trying. ”
Where the Lakers stand as tensions with officials remain in focus
The Lakers’ frustration in Denver came amid a free-throw disparity: the Nuggets took 16 more free throws. LeBron James, who injured his left elbow after being knocked to the ground while driving past Nikola Jokić, said officials described the contact as “marginal. ”
In the same game, the Lakers attempted 15 free throws, tied for their third fewest in a game this year. Their 26. 4 free throw attempts per game rank third in the NBA. Redick said the loss turned on the team’s poor start, missed finishes, and late-game fouling that contributed to the free-throw gap, while adding that he thought the officiating was consistent.
In the broader standings picture, the Lakers have 18 games remaining in the regular season and sit fifth in the Western Conference at 39-25. Dončić has missed 12 games so far this season, and under the NBA’s 65-game rule, players who miss 18 games are no longer eligible for season-ending awards.
