Lakers’ Luka Doncic hit with 1-game suspension for 16th tech

The NBA announced Saturday that Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic has been suspended one game for his 16th technical foul in Friday’s win over the Brooklyn Nets.

Doncic will serve the suspension during Monday’s game against the Washington Wizards.

Doncic and Nets forward Ziaire Williams were assessed a double take after shoving each other following an offensive foul on Doncic with 5:12 remaining in the third quarter of Friday’s game.

A video review showed Doncic pushing Williams and Williams retaliating by swiping Doncic in the face. Both players were called for technical fouls by crew chief Sean Wright.

Doncic had previously picked up his 16th technical for verbally altercation with Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze last weekend, but the NBA rescinded the technical after the Lakers appealed to the league.

The suspension requires Doncic to be paid 1/174 of his annual salary, or approximately $264,000.

For every two additional technical fouls Doncic receives from now until the end of the regular season, he will automatically be suspended for one additional game. The financial penalty will increase to 1/145 of his salary, or approximately $317,000.

When Doncic will be eligible to return to the lineup Tuesday against the Cleveland Cavaliers, there will be seven games remaining on the Lakers’ regular season schedule.

The punishment comes amid a difficult time for Doncic, with the superstar averaging 39.7 points, 8.1 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 2.5 steals over his last 12 games.