Trending Now - Lakers Take Aim at Luka's Tech Amid Outfit Backlash
WHO:
Luka Dončić, Los Angeles Lakers player
Goga Bitadze, Orlando Magic center
Marc Davis, crew chief
Marat Kogut, referee
Luka Dončić stated, "I'm definitely hoping [it is rescinded]. Obviously, I let my team down getting that last tech."
Goga Bitadze said, "I have all the respect for Luka and what he has done."
Luka Dončić, Los Angeles Lakers player
Goga Bitadze, Orlando Magic center
Marat Kogut, referee
Marc Davis, crew chief
WHAT:
Dončić stated, "I'm definitely hoping [it is rescinded]. Obviously, I let my team down getting that last tech."
Bitadze claimed, "I don't know if he knew I understood what he said. So, I just said it back. And it was nothing towards his family or anybody. His family, I really, truly respect them."
Bitadze said, "He said something about my mother, which, it's really inappropriate. We don't say that stuff during the game."
The Lakers' appeal argues that the officials should have issued a warning prior to the technical fouls.
Dončić's technical foul was his 16th of the season, which automatically triggers a one-game suspension.
Bitadze claimed, "He said something about my mother, which, it's really inappropriate. We don't say that stuff during the game."
Luka Dončić faces a potential one-game suspension after receiving his 16th technical foul.
The Los Angeles Lakers have appealed the technical foul called on Dončić.
If the technical foul is not rescinded, Dončić will be suspended for the game against the Detroit Pistons on March 23rd, 2026.
Dončić scored 33 points and had eight assists in the game against the Orlando Magic, which the Lakers won 105-104.
Dončić shot 2-for-13 in the second half, including 0-for-7 from three-point range.
WHERE:
The incident occurred during a game at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida.
WHEN:
The game took place on March 21st, 2026.
The Lakers will play the Detroit Pistons on March 23rd, 2026.
WHY:
Dončić alleged that Bitadze said, "he would f--- my whole family."
Bitadze stated that Dončić cursed at him in Serbian first, prompting his response.
Dončić alleged that Bitadze said, "he would f--- my whole family."
Bitadze responded that he merely repeated a curse back to Dončić after being cursed at in Serbian.
The technical foul was issued after Dončić and Bitadze exchanged words, with Dončić claiming Bitadze made inappropriate comments about his family.
Bitadze stated that Dončić cursed at him in Serbian first, prompting his response.
HOW:
Crew chief Marc Davis explained that both players were warned to cease their comments directed towards one another before the technical fouls were assessed.
Crew chief Marc Davis stated that both players were warned to cease their comments directed towards one another before the technical fouls were assessed.
Referee Marat Kogut assessed double technical fouls with 1:19 remaining in the third quarter after both players were warned to stop taunting each other.
The Lakers' appeal argues that the officials should have issued a warning prior to the technical fouls.
(UPDATED March 23, 2026 01:30 UTC)
In a heated exchange during a recent game, Luka Dončić expressed his hope that the technical foul he received would be rescinded, admitting he let his team down. Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze responded to accusations from Dončić, stating that he only echoed a comment made by Dončić, which he felt was inappropriate and disrespectful. Crew chief Marc Davis clarified that both players had been warned to stop their verbal exchanges before the technical fouls were issued.
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(UPDATED March 22, 2026 19:12 UTC)
In a heated moment during the game, Luka Dončić received his 16th technical foul of the season, which means he will face a one-game suspension. Dončić expressed regret, saying he let his team down, while Goga Bitadze defended himself, claiming Dončić made an inappropriate comment about his mother. The crew chief, Marc Davis, noted that both players had been warned to stop their exchanges before the technical fouls were issued.
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(UPDATED March 22, 2026 17:16 UTC)
Luka Dončić of the Los Angeles Lakers is facing a potential one-game suspension after receiving his 16th technical foul during a game against the Orlando Magic, which the Lakers won 105 to 104. The technical foul was issued following a heated exchange with Goga Bitadze, with Dončić claiming Bitadze made inappropriate comments about his family, while Bitadze alleged that Dončić cursed at him first. The Lakers have appealed the foul, arguing that the officials should have issued a warning before assessing the double technicals, and if the appeal is unsuccessful, Dončić will miss the upcoming game against the Detroit Pistons on March 23.