Los Angeles Lakers superstar guard Luka Doncic received a technical foul for complaining during and after a set of free throw attempts in Tuesday night's game against New Orleans.
It happened with Doncic at the line shooting two free throws with 1:17 remaining in the second quarter as the Lakers led 51-48. After missing his first free throw, Doncic complained that Pelicans center DeAndre Jordan should have been called for a lane violation. To be fair, based on the video, Doncic had a point as it was pretty clear that Jordan stepped into the lane before the ball left his hand. However, the officials did not make the call and basically ignored Luka's complaint.
After making his second free throw, Doncic turned to the official closest to midcourt and made a sarcastic clap towards them, at which point that official immediately blew his whistle and called Doncic for a technical foul. Doncic began walking towards the referee, at which point Austin Reaves stepped in to hold him back to prevent him from getting a second technical, which would have led to an automatic ejection.
Luka Doncic misses the 1st free throw, complains to the referees about a lane violation by a Pelican player, makes the second free throw, keeps on complaining, gets a technical foul, and Austin Reaves hold him back (with a replay) pic.twitter.com/dQQ39pNoTm
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) March 4, 2026
After being separated, Doncic was able to keep his cool while continuing to make his case to the official, but to no avail. In the meantime, Pelicans guard Saddiq Bay made the technical free throw to cut the lead to 52-49.
Doncic had a legitimate complaint in this case, and it is unfair that the officials missed it, but at a certain point, you have to let it go before you hurt your team. The precedent has been set that berating officials will not be tolerated. Fortunately, Doncic was able to hold himself back before being tossed from the game.
In the end, Doncic went on to lead the Lakers with 27 points and 10 rebounds as the Lakers beat the Pelicans 110-101 for their third straight win.
Moonlighting as a blogger to pursue my interest and enjoyment of sports. Former high school and Division I athlete (now a "retired" family man) that loves watching and discussing all sports. Follow me on Twitter (@HoldoutSports).
