Los Angeles Lakers forward Luka Dončić will be sidelined for one game, the NBA has confirmed. The suspension stems from his 16th technical foul of the 2025-26 season, assessed during Friday’s 116-99 victory over the Brooklyn Nets. Dončić will miss Monday’s game against the Washington Wizards.
The Incident with Ziaire Williams
The pivotal technical foul occurred with 5:12 remaining in the third quarter. Following an offensive foul called against Dončić, a physical interaction unfolded between the Lakers star and Nets forward Ziaire Williams. A review of the play revealed Dončić pushing Williams, followed by a reaction from Williams attempting to strike Dončić in the face. Both players were issued technical fouls by the officiating crew led by Sean Wright.
NBA rules mandate an automatic one-game suspension upon receiving a 16th technical foul during a regular season. Subsequent suspensions will be issued for every two additional technical fouls. The technical foul count resets at the start of the playoffs.
The suspension is expected to cost Dončić approximately $264,000, representing 1/174th of his seasonal salary. Further technical fouls would result in increased financial penalties, potentially reaching $317,000 per additional infraction (1/145th of his salary).
A Potentially Fortuitous Suspension?
The suspension comes at a time when Dončić is playing some of the most impressive basketball of his season. In his last 12 games, the Slovenian has averaged 39.7 points, 8.1 rebounds, 6.9 assists, and 2.5 steals, maintaining a streak of consecutive games with at least 30 points. Since the All-Star break, Dončić has played in all 20 Lakers games, averaging 35.5 points.
Missing the game against Washington will be Dončić’s 13th absence of the season. To remain eligible for end-of-season individual awards, he must play in at least three of the Lakers’ remaining seven regular-season games.
The timing of the suspension could prove beneficial for the Lakers. Dončić will return to the lineup on Tuesday against the Cleveland Cavaliers, a game in which the Cavaliers will be playing on the second night of a back-to-back. The Wizards, currently struggling with a 3-win record since the All-Star break and potentially facing key player absences, present a favorable matchup for the Lakers.
This also provides an opportunity for Dončić to rest after a lengthy road trip, especially considering he hadn’t missed a game since four prior to the All-Star Game due to a left hamstring issue. The Lakers’ schedule following the Wizards game includes a road trip to face the Oklahoma City Thunder and a return to Dallas to play his former team, setting up a crucial final stretch of the regular season with significant implications for their Western Conference playoff seeding.
Next Game
The Los Angeles Lakers return to action on the night of Monday, March 30th, and Tuesday, March 31st (4:00 AM CET) to face the Washington Wizards at the Crypto.com Arena.
Image: Luka Dončić during the game between the Lakers and Nets on March 27, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. (Credit: Allen J. Schaben, Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Note: Luka Dončić is often referred to as “Luka Doncic” in online searches.
The Lakers will undoubtedly feel Dončić’s absence, but the schedule presents a manageable opportunity to navigate this brief setback. The team will need to rely on its depth and continue its strong recent form to maintain its position in the competitive Western Conference standings.
The incident serves as a reminder of the fine line between competitive fire and disciplinary action in the NBA. Even as Dončić’s passion is a key component of his game, maintaining composure will be crucial as the Lakers push towards the playoffs.
