Luka Doncic’s ejection during the fourth quarter of the Los Angeles Lakers’ 136-120 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night caused a dramatic shift in the game. With just under eight minutes left, Doncic hit a crucial jumper to give the Lakers a 108-107 lead, but after sharing words with a courtside fan, he was handed a second technical foul. Referee J.T. Orr believed Doncic was directing his comments at him, leading to the ejection. However, Doncic clarified afterward that he was engaging with the fan, not the official.
“I never got a fan ejected. If they talk, I talk back, but it had nothing to do with the ref,” Doncic explained. The fan in question, identified as Jeremy Price, confirmed that the exchange was part of typical “game within the game” banter, where he had jokingly called out Doncic’s missed shot, prompting the star to respond with an expletive. Price noted that the referee may have misunderstood the situation, thinking the comments were aimed at him.
The ejection disrupted the game, as the Thunder capitalized on the moment, finishing the contest on a 28-11 run. LeBron James remarked on the strange turn of events, questioning why the referee seemed to take the exchange personally, especially since Doncic had already received a technical earlier in the game. “It got weird after that,” James said.
Despite the loss, the Lakers quickly turned their focus to their next game in Dallas, where Doncic will face his former team, the Mavericks, for the first time since being traded. Doncic admitted he expected an emotional return but expressed his readiness to face his old fans and teammates. As for the technical fouls, Doncic now has 14 on the season, just two shy of an automatic suspension, and will need to manage his emotions carefully in future games.
