The Los Angeles Lakers-Orlando Magic game on Saturday night ended in dramatic fashion, as Luke Kennard sank a jumper from the left wing with only 0.6 seconds remaining to secure the Lakers’ 105-104 win, but there was also plenty of drama throughout the game.
Lakers star Luka Dončić received his 16th technical of the season, which warrants a one-game suspension, late in the third quarter, when he and Magic center Goga Bitadze were awarded a double technical for a verbal spat while Dončić was at the free-throw line.
In his post-game press conference, Dončić gave his explanation for the exchange.
“I’m definitely hoping [it is rescinded],” Doncic said after the game. “Obviously, I let my team down getting that last tech. But honestly, I wasn’t trying to. [Bitadze] said at the free throw, he would f*ck my whole family. And at some point, this is a basketball court. At some point, I just can’t stand it. I got to stand up for myself. But I know I got to do better.
“My teammates, I know they have my back, so I let them down today. But hopefully, it gets rescinded.”
For his part, Bitadze pushed back on any notion that he would disrespect anyone’s family and was simply repeating what Dončić had told him.
“I have all the respect for Luka and what he has done,” Bitadze said. “And I really respect everybody’s family. Where I come from, it’s really sacred and we really respect each other’s families, and I would never directly say that. He just said some inappropriate things in the Serbian language, which, I played in Serbia, I understand.
“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.”
The Lakers appealed on the grounds that a warning should’ve been issued prior to the technicals being handed out, but although Crew chief Marc Davis said that a warning was issued, ultimately, Dončić’s technical was rescinded, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Dončić has received 16 technical fouls in a single season twice before in his career, when he was a member of the Dallas Mavericks, and in both cases, the NBA rescinded his 16th foul.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.