Luka Doncic avoids suspension after 16th technical foul overturned
The NBA has rescinded Luka Doncic's technical foul received against the Magic. The Lakers guard thus avoids an automatic suspension and will be able to play against Detroit on Monday night.
Mar 21, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) is guarded by Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (4) in the second quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Photo Credit : © Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
The NBA made a favorable decision for Luka Doncic on Sunday. The league rescinded the Lakers star’s 16th technical foul, received Saturday night during the 105-104 victory against Orlando. This decision allows the Slovenian to avoid an automatic one-game suspension and remain available to face Detroit on Monday.
The incident occurred in the third quarter, with 1 minute 19 seconds remaining, when Doncic and Magic center Goga Bitadze exchanged words at the free-throw line. Both players had received a double technical foul for « continuous taunting » according to referee Marc Davis.
JJ Redick said Goga Bitadze made a comment about Luka Dončić’s mom in a language the referees didn’t understand, which led to the double technicals. Redick added that the Lakers plan to appeal Dončić’s tech to the league. pic.twitter.com/q2vr4kX24f
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) March 22, 2026
Conflicting versions of the verbal exchange
Both protagonists gave different versions of the altercation. Doncic stated in a press conference that Bitadze had made inappropriate comments in Serbian: « At the free-throw line, he said he was going to f**k my whole family. At some point, we’re on a basketball court. I can’t let that slide. »
For his part, Bitadze disputed this version to the Orlando Sentinel: « What he claims is not the truth. He simply said inappropriate things in Serbian… so I repeated them. If he thinks I crossed the line, I apologize. »
Luka Doncic got a tech because Bitadze was talking about his family issues:
Luka: « IMMA F*CK YOU UP! » 👀😭
pic.twitter.com/1aZkChYN4K https://t.co/X1FRv4GtG2
— Hater Report (@HaterReport) March 22, 2026
This rescission represents a major relief for the Lakers, currently on a nine-game winning streak, their best since the 2019-2020 season. Doncic, the NBA’s leading scorer this season, is averaging 40 points per game during this streak, with 40.3% three-point shooting.
This is the third time in his career that Doncic has had his 16th technical foul rescinded, after similar situations in 2022 and 2023 with Dallas. The guard remains at 15 technical fouls this season, one less than leader Dillon Brooks of Phoenix.
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With a background in sports management, Nicolas Flamecourt covers NBA news with a particular passion for the North American league, which he has been following for several years. He also covers the NCAA, including news and scouting of future prospects, and regularly conducts interviews with French players as well as players competing in Europe.
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