Luka Doncic, Los Angeles Lakers
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Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on prior to a game against the Denver Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena on March 14, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers captured their 11th win in 12 games with last night’s victory over the struggling Brooklyn Nets.
The win keeps L.A. streaking at the right time as the playoffs get closer.
Superstar point guardLuka Doncic kept up his fabulous play of late, scoring another 40-point game in fewer than 40 minutes of action.
As has been a theme recently, Doncic’s explosive play didn’t come without a little extracurricular activity.
The 27-year-old Lakers star got chippy with Nets forwardZiaire Williams after Doncic was called for an offensive foul with just over five minutes to go in the third quarter. Video review showed the two tied up in physical exchange, with Doncic pushing Williams and Williams retaliating by swiping at Doncic’s chest area.
Both players were assessed technical fouls, with Doncic picking up his 16th of the season, resulting in a one-game ban unless rescinded.
Los Angeles Lakers make decision on Doncic’s 16 tech
Roughly a week ago, Doncic was involved in another altercation in the second half of the Lakers’ matchup with the Orlando Magic.
The superstar guard got into it with Magic forwardGoga Bitadze, and the fallout of that exchange was discussed for days after the fact.
Doncic picked up his 16th technical of the season at that moment, but the NBA later rescinded it, allowing the Lakers star to play in the team’s next game.
For now, Doncic will not be eligible to play in Los Angeles’ upcoming contest against the Washington Wizards on Monday night, but head coach JJ Redick confirmed after last night’s win that the team will appeal Doncic’s 16th technical foul.
JJ Redick on Luka Doncic picking up his 16th tech in today’s win, asked by @LakersReporter:
“I’m sure we will appeal it. I didn’t see what happened.”
— Carlos Yakimowich (@CarlosYakJr) March 28, 2026
L.A. is walking a fine line with Doncic’s emotions on the court
Even if Doncic’s 16th tech is nixed a second time, there is no denying the Lakers have a little bit of a problem on hand.
Although there are only a few games left in the season, the team has multiple critical games ahead that will contribute to its position in the final standings.
Doncic cannot afford to miss any games down the stretch. It is too valuable of a time for him to sit out.
Even if he escapes the regular season without suspension, while a players’ technical foul count is reset for the playoffs, Doncic has displayed he can rack up these infractions rather quickly. It is one thing to miss a regular season game, but it’s an entirely different thing to miss a playoff game, where every contest is season-altering.
Doncic cannot let his emotions overshadow his sublime play over the last six weeks. An NBA MVP candidate, he is averaging over 35 points per game on over 40% shooting since Feb. 15. The Lakers have fewer than five losses over that span.
With a pair of bigtime games against the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder still left on the 82-game slate, Doncic must keep up this historic pace for the Lakers to make a statement to close out the season.
L.A.’s win over Brooklyn last night helped it reach 48 on the season. The team is still in firm control of the third-seed, which grants homecourt advantage in the postseason.