The Lakers have avoided losing their superstar Luka Dončić for a game thanks to the NBA rescinding the technical foul called on him during Saturday’s win against the Magic.
Luka Dončić has had to be careful not to earn his 16th technical foul, which would automatically trigger a one-game suspension. He played in eight games without getting a tech until he was given one in LA’s matchup against Orlando.
Dončić argued that Magic player Goga Bitadze said a graphic comment about his family, which triggered
his response and earned him the tech. The Lakers immediately appealed the decision after the game, leading to the league rescinding the technical, which will allow him to play against the Pistons on Monday.
To his credit, since receiving his 15th technical, Luka has played nice and had a much calmer demeanor with officials. That coinciding with his scoring outburst amidst the team’s winning streak might raise an eyebrow or two as well.
The Lakers are currently on a hot streak, winning nine straight games. So, losing Luka during this stretch would’ve been a tough thing to overcome. The Lakers sit at the No. 3 spot in the Western Conference standings, but it’s a very tight race and they need everyone available as they push for the playoffs.
If there was a time for Luka to go out, it would be in the coming week. On Monday, they play the Pistons without Cade Cunningham before games against tanking sides in the Pacers, Nets and Wizards. This isn’t to suggest Luka should get a technical, but if he did in the next stretch of games, the Lakers would have some leeway.
He’s also still on pace to be eligible for NBA awards. Luka needs to play in 65 games this season, and he is currently at 59. With only 11 games left, though, it’s fairly likely he’ll meet that minimum.
For now, Luka and the Lakers dodged a bullet. Whether that lasts to the end of the regular season, though, remains to be seen.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.
