In recent weeks, much has been made over Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic’s interactions with the officials. Doncic picked up his 15th technical foul of the season during the Lakers’ loss to the Denver Nuggets on Thursday, and that was followed by a fine from the NBA after the team’s win against the New York Knicks on Sunday.
The NBA announced on Tuesday that Luka Doncic was fined $50,000 for an inappropriate gesture towards the officials during the Lakers’ game against the Knicks. The incident occurred when Doncic attempted to take a charge against Knicks forward Mohamed Diawara. As Doncic hit the floor, no call was made and the Knicks got an easy two points.
Doncic immediately turned to the closest referee and gestured with his hands a symbol that has been used jokingly by NBA players in the past to suggest that the officials are paid off when they don’t make certain calls.
The Lakers still got the win, and they have another big game against a good team on Tuesday as they host the Minnesota Timberwolves. But with Doncic seemingly on thin ice with the officials, that’s obviously going to be something to monitor. One more technical foul and he is automatically suspended for a game.
Prior to the Lakers’ win against the Indiana Pacers last Friday, head coach JJ Redick defended his superstar’s competitive fire amid his recent interactions with the officials.
Through the midst of it all, Doncic has been on a tear this season, averaging a league-leading 32.5 points. He’s also leading the league in shot attempts at 22.0, 3-point attempts at 10.4, 3-pointers made at 3.8 and free-throw attempts at 10.3.
