Why Luka Doncic has been fined? Los Angeles Lakers star punished for controversial gesture toward referee

The NBA said on Tuesday that Luka Doncic received a $50,000 fine for making an "inappropriate and unprofessional gesture" at a referee during the Los Angeles Lakers' 110-97 victory over the New York Knicks. Doncic tried to draw a charge on Knicks forward Mohamed Diawara with 4:35 left in the third quarter on Sunday, but he was called for a blocking foul.

On Tuesday, the NBA made the fine public. On Sunday, with 4:35 left in the third quarter, Doncic tumbled backward following contact with Knicks forward Mohamed Diawara, who was making a drive to the basket. Doncic raised his hands and rubbed his fingers together in a "money" motion toward the official.

Lakers star Luka Doncic penalized for controversial gesture toward official

Luka Doncic, a talented guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, received a $50,000 fine, the NBA said on Tuesday. Doncic rubbed his fingers together while he was on the ground, staring at official Tre Maddox after absorbing Diawara's contact.

With 15 technical fouls thrown against him in 52 games this season, Doncic has had numerous run-ins with league officials. He will incur a one-game penalty if he gets a sixteenth tech. Chris Haynes wrote on X:

“Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic has been fined $50,000 for directing an inappropriate gesture to an official…”




In a press release, James Jones, Executive Vice President and Head of Basketball Operations, stated:

"Los Angeles Lakers forward-guard Luka Doncic has been fined $50,000 for directing an inappropriate and unprofessional gesture toward a game official.. The incident occurred with 4:35 remaining in the third quarter of the Lakers 110-97 victory over the New York Knicks on March 8 at Crypto.com Arena..”

This season, Doncic's relationship with authorities has been tumultuous; the fine is the most recent instance. On March 8, Doncic tried to draw a charge on Mohamed Diawara, a forward with the Knicks. Instead, according to ESPN, officials called a blocking foul.

Doncic made a money gesture as he collapsed to the court. The Lakers are presently seventh in the Western Conference rankings after winning 110-97. Before going on a six-game road trip, the Lakers will play their next three games at home.

Luka Doncic shines for Lakers even as referee controversy grabs headlines

Players who claim that officials are being paid to call a game a certain manner are not well received by the league. Rudy Gobert received a similar sentence for making the same gesture at authorities.

Doncic has a reputation for being erratic at times, particularly when it comes to how referees handle him. The Lakers have made an unsuccessful attempt to persuade him to cut back. They won't lose Doncic as a result, which is fantastic news, but it will make their top player somewhat less wealthy.

Josh Hart made a layup after Diawara shoveled the ball to him, reducing the Knicks' deficit to 74-65. Doncic's $46 million compensation for this season is around 0.109% of the fine. The Lakers' next player to score was Doncic, who finished with a game-high 35 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and two steals. On Tuesday, the Timberwolves (40-24) will visit the Lakers (39-25).