Pool Report on Technical Fouls Called on Luka Dončić & Goga Bitadze and the Replay Review with 4.7 Seconds remaining in the Lakers at Magic Game

The Pool Report interview was conducted by Dick Scanlon (The Associated Press) with Crew Chief Marc Davis following tonight’s Los Angeles Lakers at Orlando Magic game.

March 21, 2026

QUESTION: Why were double technicals issued for Luka Dončić and Goga Bitadze in the third quarter?

DAVIS: Both Dončić and Bitadze were both assessed technical fouls for their continual taunting of one another. They were both warned to cease their comments directed towards one another between the two free throws. After the free throw and as the ball entered the frontcourt, they were both correctly assessed technical fouls for their unsportsmanlike comments directed towards one another.

QUESTION: With 4.7 seconds left in the game and after replay review, what was the rationale for giving the Lakers the ball?

DAVIS: There was not clear and conclusive evidence to overturn the on-court ruling.