The Los Angeles Lakers returned home Friday after a six-game road trip, hosting the Brooklyn Nets with an opportunity to build on their recent form. Behind another dominant showing from Luka Doncic, Los Angeles handled business, with the star guard finishing with 41 points, eight rebounds and three assists, marking his second consecutive 40-point performance.
Doncic’s recent stretch has strengthened his MVP case and elevated the Lakers’ position in the Western Conference. Over his last 12 games, he is averaging 39.7 points, 8.1 rebounds and 6.9 assists, leading Los Angeles to an 11-1 record in that span. The impressive stretch has pushed the Lakers to the third seed in the West, firmly placing them in the championship conversation.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77).Brad Penner-Imagn Images
(Brad Penner-Imagn Images)
However, Friday’s win came with a costly development. Doncic was assessed a technical foul following an altercation with Nets forward Ziaire Williams with 5:12 remaining in the third quarter.
The two players were hit with double technical fouls after jostling following an offensive foul on Doncic. A review showed Doncic pushing Williams, who responded by swiping at Doncic’s face.
It marks Doncic’s 16th technical foul of the season, which triggers an automatic one-game suspension. The Lakers appealed the call, hoping for a reversal similar to the previous week when a technical involving Doncic and Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze was rescinded upon review.
This time around, the league upheld the decision, which means Doncic will now serve a one-game suspension Monday against the Washington Wizards. The suspension also comes with a financial penalty of approximately $264,000, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
Doncic, who agreed to a three-year, $165 million extension in August, is earning $46 million this season, with his new deal set to kick in next season.
Despite the setback, the Lakers remain favorites entering their matchup against a struggling Washington team. In Doncic’s absence, Los Angeles will rely heavily on LeBron James and Austin Reaves to carry the offensive load.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.