Luka Doncic gets 16th tech foul, blasts Bitadze comments

Luka Doncic gets 16th tech foul, blasts Bitadze comments

Luka Doncic receives 16th technical foul after clash with Goga Bitadze, claims Bitadze threatened his family.

“I don't know if he knew I understood what he said. So, I just said it back...”

Luka Doncic received his 16th technical foul of the season after clashing with Goga Bitadze during the Lakers' game against the Orlando Magic.

“I got to stand up for myself,” Doncic said, explaining the situation. “Bitadze said he would f--- my whole family. And at some point, this is a basketball court. At some point, I just can't stand it. But I know I got to do better.”

Goga Bitadze claims Luka Doncic's reaction was retaliation for something Doncic said earlier.

Luka Dončić says that Goga Bitadze said that he would "f--k my whole family” in Serbian while Luka was at the FT line, which happened before their double technical fouls. pic.twitter.com/HeDymX0icw

— Khobi Price (@khobi_price) March 22, 2026

“I would never directly say that. He just said some inappropriate things in the Serbian language, which, I played in Serbia, I understand.

“I don't know if he knew I understood what he said. So, I just said it back. And it was nothing towards his family or anybody. His family, I really, truly respect them.”

“He said something about my mother, which, it's really inappropriate,” Bitadze continued. “We don't say that stuff during the game. So I just said whatever he told me or about my mother and said it back.”

The Lakers successfully appealed the technical foul, getting it rescinded the next day and saving Doncic from a one-game suspension.

Luka Doncic receives his 16th tech of the season and if it stands he will be suspended for Monday’s game vs. the Pistons. pic.twitter.com/UNUABrb6W2

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) March 22, 2026

Despite the drama, Doncic led the Lakers to their ninth straight win, scoring 33 points and adding eight assists. He made history as the first Lakers player to score 30+ points in nine consecutive games, with the team winning each of them.