Lakers’ Luka Doncic sets record straight after missed call vs. Knicks

Luka Doncic always wears his heart on his sleeve in every minute he spends on the hardwood, and this was certainly the case during the Los Angeles Lakers’ 110-97 win over the New York Knicks at home on Sunday.

While everything ended well and in good spirits for the Lakers, Doncic did have some of his typical moments of frustration towards the officiating — even appearing to make a money sign towards the referees at one point, insinuating that they’re on his opponents’ payroll.

Doncic is not the most adept defensive player, so when he gives effort, he at least wants to reap the reward. With around 4:30 remaining in the third quarter of Sunday’s game, he tried to draw a charge on rookie forward Mohamed Diawara on a three-on-two fastbreak, only for officials to swallow their whistle. He then made the aforementioned inflammatory gesture right after that no-call.

Immediately after the game, the Lakers star made it known to ESPN’s Malika Andrews that he did draw two charges on the night — one that counted, and one that didn’t.

(Fast forward to 0:20 of the video.)

Official charges taken? 1. But let the record show Luka took 2 charges (according to him ).

Now how can the Lakers turn what they showed against New York into a consistent defensive identity?

Fun postgame interview with Luka pic.twitter.com/qd96xgVsYO

— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) March 8, 2026

Charges and blocks might be the most bang-bang calls in basketball, so there is uncertainty baked into such plays. But let it be known: Doncic is at least willing to put his body on the line, buying into the Lakers’ defensive principles.

Luka Doncic powers Lakers to huge win sans LeBron James

LeBron James had been dealing with arthritis, which kept him out of the Lakers’ lineup on Sunday. Not to worry; the Lakers still won rather comfortably, with Doncic recording 35 points and Austin Reaves backing him up with 25 of his own.

The Lakers did a good job forcing turnovers (the Knicks had 18 on the night), and they also held them quiet from beyond the arc, allowing just eight triples on the night.

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