Luka Doncic, Lakers
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Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic shares a laugh with referee Tre Maddox during a break in the action against the New York Knicks.
The NBA has fined Luka Dončić $50,000 for directing an “inappropriate and unprofessional gesture” toward a referee during the Los Angeles Lakers’ victory over the New York Knicks, the league announced Tuesday.
The discipline stems from an incident that occurred with 4:35 remaining in the third quarter of the Lakers’ 110–97 win on March 8 at Crypto.com Arena.
The penalty was confirmed in a league statement issued by James Jones, the NBA’s Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations.
“Los Angeles Lakers forward-guard Luka Dončić has been fined $50,000 for directing an inappropriate and unprofessional gesture toward a game official,” the NBA said.
“The incident occurred with 4:35 remaining in the third quarter of the Lakers’ 110-97 victory over the New York Knicks on March 8 at Crypto.com Arena.”
The fine adds another chapter to Dončić’s often intense relationship with NBA officiating during his first full season in Los Angeles.
Luka Dončić Gesture Toward Referee Leads to NBA Fine
The moment unfolded in transition late in the third quarter when Dončić attempted to draw a charge against Knicks rookie forward Mohamed Diawara.
Instead, officials ruled the play a blocking foul against the Lakers star.
After absorbing contact and falling to the floor, Dončić turned toward baseline official Tre Maddox and rubbed his fingers together in what is commonly known as a “money” gesture — an action widely interpreted as questioning the officiating decision.
Despite the moment, Dončić quickly regrouped and continued his dominant performance.
The five-time All-Star scored on the following possession and finished the game with 35 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals to lead the Lakers past the Knicks.
Luka Dončić Approaching Technical Foul Suspension Threshold
The fine also highlights Dončić’s growing tally of technical fouls this season.
Through 54 games, the Slovenian superstar has accumulated 15 technical fouls — the second-most in the NBA.
Under league rules, a player who reaches 16 technical fouls during the regular season automatically receives a one-game suspension.
Only Dillon Brooks of the Phoenix Suns currently has more, with 16.
With the latest penalty, Dončić’s fines this season now total $95,000.
His fiery competitiveness has long been part of his playing style, though it has occasionally led to visible frustration with officials during games.
JJ Redick Defends Lakers Star Luka Dončić’s Competitive Edge
Despite the criticism surrounding Dončić’s on-court reactions, Lakers head coach JJ Redick has defended his franchise cornerstone.
Speaking before a recent game against the Indiana Pacers, Redick praised Dončić’s competitive mentality.
“Look, I think he’s a special kind of player, special kind of person and a special kind of competitor,” Redick said.
“I would much rather have someone who is trying to go out every night and kill than someone you have to revive with a defibrillator every other day. So, I’ll take Luka all day long.”
Redick’s remarks underscore the Lakers’ belief that Dončić’s emotional intensity is part of what makes him one of the NBA’s most dangerous offensive players.
Lakers Battling in Tight Western Conference Playoff Race
The timing of the fine comes as the Lakers navigate a tight race in the Western Conference standings.
Los Angeles has already played 54 games this season and owns a 39–25 record, placing the team fifth in the conference. The Lakers currently hold a narrow half-game lead over the sixth-place Denver Nuggets, who sit at 39–26.
With the standings packed closely and the postseason approaching, maintaining Dončić’s availability could prove crucial for the Lakers’ playoff push.
A suspension triggered by a 16th technical foul would force him to miss at least one game — a scenario the Lakers will likely hope to avoid as they battle for seeding in the West.
For now, the $50,000 fine serves as both punishment and warning for Dončić as the Lakers continue their pursuit of playoff positioning.