Luka Doncic Fined $50,000 After Money Gesture

Merlin sees Luka Dončić was hit with a $50,000 fine for an "inappropriate and unprofessional" gesture aimed at an official after a no-call in the Lakers' 110-97 win over the Knicks. He tried to draw a charge on Mohamed Diawara, flashed a money sign when no foul came, and now sits at 15 technicals — "If he gets one more, he will be suspended for one game." Dončić still starred, scoring 35 points with eight assists as L.A. moved to 39-25. Merlin notes the pattern. The league has punished this gesture before and Dončić’s habit of arguing with refs creates risk for a team trying to climb the West. Yet his first full season with the Lakers has been brilliant, 32.5 points, 8.4 assists and 7.8 rebounds, and the club is rolling. Discipline could strike at a bad time, but his magic on the court keeps the ship afloat.