NBA Launches Investigation into Luka Dončić’s Ejection After Controversial Technical Foul Calls by Referee J.T. Orr Spark Bias Allegations

NBA Launches Investigation into Luka Dončić’s Ejection After Controversial Technical Foul Calls by Referee J.T. Orr Spark Bias Allegations

The NBA is set to launch an official investigation into the controversial ejection of Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Dončić, following a heated confrontation with referee J.T. Orr during the Lakers’ recent matchup. The incident, which resulted in Dončić receiving his second technical foul and being ejected from the game, has raised serious questions about the objectivity of officiating and whether Dončić was unfairly targeted.

The drama unfolded late in the fourth quarter after Dončić appeared to be shouting toward a fan seated courtside. Referee J.T. Orr, however, interpreted the outburst as being directed at him and promptly issued Dončić his second technical foul, triggering an automatic ejection. The first technical had come earlier in the third quarter when Dončić vocally disagreed with a no-call during a physical drive to the basket.

Dončić’s reaction to the second call was one of disbelief. As he walked off the court, he gestured toward the fan, repeatedly stating that he wasn’t speaking to the officials. In a postgame interview, a visibly frustrated Dončić said,

“I was talking to a fan. I wasn’t yelling at the ref. I respect the game and the officials, but this was a misunderstanding that cost me and my team.”

What’s stirred even more controversy, however, is the growing belief among Lakers players and insiders that Dončić may have been targeted by Orr after the first altercation in the third quarter. Several teammates reportedly heard Orr make a remark suggesting he would “no longer tolerate” any talk from Dončić for the rest of the game.

This has prompted concerns that personal feelings may have influenced the calls, leading to a loss of fairness in the officiating. Lakers head coach Darvin Ham voiced his concerns postgame:

“Our players deserve to be heard and treated with the same standard. If there’s a misunderstanding, it should be clarified, not escalated.”

The NBA’s front office confirmed on Tuesday morning that it is reviewing the footage and all in-game communication between the officiating crew and players. The league aims to determine whether Orr’s decisions were within the bounds of protocol—or if bias or misjudgment led to an unwarranted ejection.

This investigation comes at a critical point in the season, as the Lakers continue their playoff push with Dončić and LeBron James leading the charge. Dončić, who has been instrumental in the Lakers’ recent surge, currently sits just two technical fouls away from a one-game suspension under the NBA’s disciplinary threshold.

The incident has also sparked debate among fans and analysts online, many calling for increased accountability and transparency from NBA referees.

Whether the investigation clears the air or deepens the tension between players and officials remains to be seen—but one thing is certain: Luka Dončić’s ejection has reignited the ongoing conversation about fairness, ego, and the emotional edge that defines the NBA.