![\"Luka](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2267327557_09e906-e1773989002155.jpg\")
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Luka Doncic is the first Laker since Kobe Bryant to score 60 points <\/p>\n
The Los Angeles Lakers<\/a> escaped Orlando with a 105-104 win over the Magic<\/a> on Saturday night. It was another big performance from Luka Doncic<\/a>, who notched his 35th game this season with at least 30 points, five assists, and five rebounds<\/a>, setting a new Lakers franchise record in the process.<\/p>\n But the result and the history were not the only talking points coming out of Saturday\u2019s game.<\/p>\n With 1:19 left in the third quarter, Doncic picked up his 16th technical foul of the season<\/a> after an exchange with Orlando Magic<\/a> center Goga Bitadze<\/a>. The 16th technical triggers an automatic one-game suspension. The Lakers are appealing. And after the game, Doncic explained exactly why<\/a>.<\/p>\n FULL INTERACTION\u2014<\/p>\n Luka Doncic tried to tell the refs about Goga multiple times in this game, then between free-throws he calmly explains to the refs what is going on, and they do NOTHING.<\/p>\n The second he says something back, they tech him. Corruption \ud83d\udde3\ufe0f\ud83d\udde3\ufe0f<\/p>\n Doncic Says Bitadze Crossed a Line GettyLuka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers.<\/p>\n The exchange between the two players happened as they jogged back up the court after a Doncic free throw. What was said in those moments is now at the centre of a heated dispute.<\/p>\n Doncic was direct in his postgame comments. He said Bitadze made a vulgar remark about his family at the free throw line, and that he simply could not let it go.<\/p>\n \u201cObviously, I let my team down getting that last tech, but honestly I wasn\u2019t trying to,\u201d Doncic said<\/a>. \u201cHe said at the free throw line he will f*** my whole family. And at some point, I just can\u2019t stand it. I gotta stand up for myself, but I know I got to do better. My teammates definitely have my back, and I let them down today.\u201d<\/p>\n The acknowledgment carried weight. Doncic knows the technical foul hurt his team. He also made clear he felt he had no choice but to respond.<\/p>\n \u201cHe (Goga) said at free throw he will fu*k my whole family. And at some point, I just can\u2019t stand it. I gotta stand up for myself.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2014 Luka Doncic on his technical foul<\/p>\n (via @LukaUpdates<\/a>)<\/p>\n Bitadze Pushes Back on Doncic\u2019s Version of Events GettyGoga Bitadze #35 of the Orlando Magic.<\/p>\n Bitadze told a different story. Speaking to ESPN\u2019s Dave McMenamin<\/a> after the game, the Magic big man denied making any remarks directed at Doncic\u2019s family and suggested the exchange was triggered by something Doncic said first.<\/p>\n \u201cI have all the respect for Luka and what he has done,\u201d Bitadze said<\/a>. \u201cI really respect everybody\u2019s family. Where I come from, it\u2019s really sacred, and we really respect each other\u2019s families. I would never directly say that.\u201d<\/p>\n Bitadze added that Doncic had said something in Serbian<\/a>, a language Bitadze understands from his time playing in Serbia, and that he responded in kind. \u201cHe just said some inappropriate things in the Serbian language. I don\u2019t know if he knew I understood what he said, so I just said it back. It was nothing towards his family or anybody.\u201d<\/p>\n He stopped short of a full denial, however. \u201cI apologize if it crossed the line,\u201d Bitadze said<\/a>. \u201cWhat Doncic came and said, I don\u2019t think that\u2019s the truth. I know that\u2019s not the truth. I know what I said.\u201d<\/p>\n Two players. Two very different accounts. The NBA<\/a> will now decide what to make of it.<\/p>\n Goga Bitadze to ESPN and the Orlando Sentinel: \u201cI have all the respect for Luka and what he has done. I really respect everybody\u2019s family. Where I come from, it\u2019s really sacred and we really respect each other\u2019s family. I would never directly say that. \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n What Is at Stake for the Lakers<\/p>\n If the appeal is denied, Doncic will miss Monday\u2019s game against the Detroit Pistons<\/a>. For a Lakers team in the thick of the playoff race, losing their best player for any game at this stage of the season is a significant concern.<\/p>\n Doncic has been playing at an MVP level throughout his first full season in Los Angeles. Saturday\u2019s performance extended his record to 35 games this season with at least 30 points, five assists, and five rebounds<\/a>, the most such games in the league this year. He also became the first player in NBA history to score 30 or more points in nine straight games while winning all nine. His 215 career games with those numbers put him fifth all-time, just three behind James Harden.<\/p>\n Losing him for even one night would be felt.<\/p>\n Final Word for the Lakers<\/p>\n Doncic admitted he let his team down. He also stood by every word he said about what happened on that court.<\/p>\n The appeal will play out in the coming days. Whether the NBA agrees that the circumstances warranted leniency remains to be seen.<\/p>\n Either way, the Lakers got the win. Doncic made history. And the conversation around Saturday night will not stop until a decision is made.<\/p>\n \n\t\t\tKeith Watkins<\/a> Keith Watkins is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers. He previously wrote for FanSided, NBA Analysis Network, and Last Word On Sports. Keith is based in Bangkok, Thailand. More about Keith Watkins<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n \n\t\t\tMore Heavy on Lakers\n\t\t<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\tLoading more stories\n\t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t![\"Luka](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Luka-Doncic-2.jpg\")
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