The Los Angeles Lakers suffered a frustrating defeat at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder, but it was Luka Doncic‘s sudden ejection that became the biggest talking point of the night.
The All-Star guard was thrown out in the fourth quarter after receiving a second technical foul, and LeBron James was not pleased with how things unfolded. With just over seven minutes left in the game, Doncic finished a layup to give the Lakers a narrow 108-107 lead.
Moments later, he was seen exchanging words with a courtside fan. Referee J.T. Orr interpreted the interaction as being directed at him and promptly issued a second technical foul, ejecting Doncic from the game.
Doncic explained after the game that his comments were aimed at the fan, not the official.
“I never got a fan ejected, never, but if you’re gonna talk, I’m gonna talk back like always,” he said. “That had nothing to do with the ref.”
LeBron James, who finished the game with 26 points, came to his teammate’s defense.
“It was a weird couple minutes after that, starting with the ejection,” James said.
“I don’t know why the ref was taking it personal. He had already given Luka one… Luka was going back and forth with someone sitting courtside… The ref took it upon himself. It was on him.”
Thunder capitalize after Doncic’s departure
After Doncic left the game, the Lakers lost control. Oklahoma City went on a dominant 28-11 run to close out the game, handing the Lakers a 136-120 loss. The ejection clearly disrupted the Lakers’ rhythm and shifted momentum entirely in favor of the Thunder.
Adding to the concern, Doncic‘s ejection brings his season total to 14 technical fouls. Two more would result in an automatic one-game suspension.
With only three games remaining in the regular season, including a highly anticipated matchup against his former team, the Dallas Mavericks, the Lakers can ill afford to lose their star guard.
The Lakers, still battling for favorable playoff positioning, will need to regroup quickly. Despite the setback, James remains confident in his squad’s ability to finish strong.
Doncic, who has been key to the Lakers‘ resurgence in the second half of the season, will have to walk a fine line to avoid suspension. As tensions rise and games become more intense, the Lakers will hope their stars can stay composed-and on the floor.
