Just days after a decisive victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Los Angeles Lakers fell short in the rematch, losing 136-120. A significant turning point in the contest was the ejection of star guard Luka Doncic, who was assessed two technical fouls and subsequently removed from the game. Following the contentious ejection, crew chief Tony Brothers provided a pool report to clarify the incidents that led to Doncic’s dismissal.
Responding to a question from J.T. Orr regarding the first technical foul, Brothers stated, “He directed profanity at a game official.” When pressed about the second technical, Brothers explained, “He looked directly at an official and used vulgar language.”
Los Angeles Lakers’ Luka Doncic Directed Profanity At NBA Officials
Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt was also assessed a technical foul during the game for stepping towards and verbally taunting an opponent while play was stopped. These infractions disrupted any momentum the Lakers might have built, allowing the Thunder to capitalize and ultimately secure the win.
Following the game, Doncic expressed his confusion regarding the technical fouls, stating that his verbal exchanges were directed at a fan seated courtside. “I never got a fan ejected,” Doncic said, as reported by ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “Never. But if [the fan is] going to talk, I’m going to talk back, like always. That had nothing to do with the ref. So I really don’t understand.”
At the time of Doncic’s ejection, the Lakers held a narrow 108-107 lead. However, in the remaining 7:40 of the game, the Thunder significantly outscored the Lakers 29-12. With the regular season winding down, these games carry immense importance for playoff seeding.
The loss against the Thunder means Los Angeles can no longer secure the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, which has now been clinched by the Houston Rockets. While the No. 3 seed remains a possibility, the Lakers are only one game ahead of four other teams with just three games left to play.
Despite this setback, the Lakers have demonstrated their potential to be a formidable opponent in the postseason. If they can handle their remaining regular-season games effectively, they can still position themselves for a favorable seed and home-court advantage in the first round. Their immediate challenge is a highly anticipated matchup against the Dallas Mavericks, marking Doncic’s first return to his former arena since the trade.