The Los Angeles Lakers will play without guard Luka Doncic on Monday night against the Washington Wizards after he received his 16th technical foul of the season. The NBA upheld the ruling, resulting in a mandatory one-game suspension for Doncic, according to a March 30 announcement.
Doncic has been instrumental in the Lakers’ recent success, scoring at least 30 points in each of the last 12 games and helping lead the team to an 11-1 record during that stretch. With several teams close behind them in the Western Conference standings and postseason approaching, every game is significant for Los Angeles.
Head coach JJ Redick said after Sunday’s practice that Doncic is upset about missing time with his teammates. “He’s disappointed,” coach JJ Redick said after Sunday’s practice. “He wants to be there for his teammates, and again, I’ve talked about this all year, he plays. He’s not a guy that takes games off. He can be banged up and he’s gonna play. He was like that when I was his teammate in Dallas.”
Redick also highlighted Doncic’s desire to compete and support his team whenever possible. Despite being sidelined by suspension rather than injury or rest, Doncic reportedly feels as though he has let down his teammates.
With Doncic out against Washington—a team currently struggling near the bottom of league standings—other players such as Austin Reaves are expected to take on greater offensive responsibilities. Marcus Smart will also miss his fourth consecutive game due to injury, while Bronny James could see more minutes along with Dalton Knecht or Kobe Bufkin.
As attention turns toward individual accolades late in the season, Austin Reaves questioned why there appears to be limited support for Doncic’s case as Most Valuable Player despite his recent performances.