Luka Doncic reacts after technical foul during Los Angeles Lakers game
Getty
Luka Dončić reacts during a Los Angeles Lakers game after picking up a technical foul that contributed to his suspension.
Luka Dončić has missed 12 games for the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2025–26 NBA season as of March 28.
That number will increase to 13 games missed after he serves a one-game suspension following his 16th technical foul of the season.
The suspension will be served Monday against the Washington Wizards.
Why Has Luka Dončić Missed Games?
Dončić’s absences this season have largely been tied to injury management rather than any long-term issue.
Lower-Body Injuries
He has dealt with recurring ankle soreness and minor muscle issues, both common for high-usage guards. None of the injuries have required extended time off, but they have led to multiple short absences throughout the season.
Heavy Usage and Workload
Dončić remains one of the most ball-dominant players in the NBA. Nearly every offensive possession runs through him, whether as a scorer or primary facilitator. That workload naturally increases physical strain, especially during stretches with multiple games in a short window.
Suspension After 16th Technical
His latest absence comes from league discipline.
Dončić was assessed his 16th technical foul during Friday’s game against the Brooklyn Nets following an on-court incident with Ziaire Williams.
Under NBA rules, a player receives an automatic one-game suspension after reaching 16 technical fouls in a season.
“I didn’t even talk. I just wanted to get out of there,” Dončić said postgame. “They said I pushed, my push was exaggerated, which it obviously was not. And I don’t know what else to say.”
How the Lakers Perform Without Dončić
Luka Doncic shoots over defender during Los Angeles Lakers game
GettyLuka Dončić attempts a shot during a Los Angeles Lakers game as he continues his dominant season despite missed time.
The Los Angeles Lakers are built around Dončić’s ability to control the game. When he is off the floor, the offense looks noticeably different.
Without him, the Lakers rely more on secondary ball handlers and quicker decision-making sets. The pace often increases, but efficiency can drop, particularly in half-court situations where Dončić typically thrives.
His absence also impacts late-game execution. Few players in the league are as effective in closing situations, whether creating his own shot or drawing defensive attention to set up teammates.
What It Means Right Now
The timing of this suspension is important.
The Lakers have surged in recent weeks, winning 14 of their last 16 games and climbing firmly into the Western Conference playoff picture. Dončić has been central to that run, including a 41-point performance in the win over Brooklyn.
Missing a game against Washington presents a manageable challenge, but it still interrupts momentum during a critical stretch of the season.
The Bigger Picture
Despite the missed time, Dončić remains firmly in the MVP conversation.
He is averaging elite numbers across the board and continues to drive winning at a high level. His combination of scoring, playmaking, and control makes him one of the most impactful players in the league.
However, discipline will be something to monitor moving forward. After reaching 16 technical fouls, every additional two technicals will result in another suspension.
That adds a new layer of risk as the postseason approaches.