Dončić says he was trash talking fan rather than ref before ejection in Lakers loss

Luka Doncic didnt wait for his much-anticipated return to Dallas to crank up the drama.

The night before he faces the franchise with which he spent his first six-and-a-half NBA seasons, he was ejected from the Los Angeles Lakers 136-120 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Doncic scored 23 points on Tuesday night before his ejection.

He said he was talking trash back and forth with a fan, but the officials thought he was directing abuse at a referee and he was ejected after picking up a second technical foul.

If [the fan is] going to talk, Im going to talk back, like always, said Doncic.

That had nothing to do with the ref.

So I didnt really understand.

The crew chief, Tony Brothers, said Doncic had looked directly at an official and used vulgar language.

The fan in question, Jeremy Price, told ESPN he believed Doncic was shouting at him rather than a referee.

During the game within the game, I mentioned that he was short [on his shot] and he missed it, and he turned around and he shot an expletive back and [the referee] happened to see it and, at that point, Td him up, Price said.

The ejection affected the trajectory of the game.

The Thunder outscored the Lakers 29-12 the rest of the way.

I mean, it was tough, Doncic said.

I mean, we were right there.

I think we fought the whole game.

...

We came back in the third quarter.

We were fighting, man.

So it was tough to see that with this kind of situation to happen.

And you know, thats on me too, so I cant let my team down like that.

Now, Doncic can focus on the Mavericks the team he led to the NBA finals just last season after winning the scoring title.

The five-time All-Star was among those who were shocked when he was traded for Anthony Davis in February .

Though Doncic says he has bonded with his new teammates, he looks forward to being back in Dallas.

Of course thats going to be a lot of emotion for me, he said.

Like, how do we know what to expect? I dont know how Im going to feel, honestly.

Im looking forward to being back in Dallas.

Obviously, with the fans, seeing my teammates ex-teammates its going to be a very emotional for me, for sure.

Doncic is averaging 27.1 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.6 assists in 26 games with the Lakers.

Mavericks coach Jason Kidd is well aware of the damage the versatile guard can inflict.

Hes playing incredible, but thats Luka, Kidd said.

Lukas one of the best players in the world.

Youve got to be able to show different defenses, and thats even hard.

When you look at what hes doing hes shooting the 3, hes getting to the rim and to the free-throw line and hes setting the table for his teammates.

Our defense will be tested.

LeBron James, who has had a few returns throughout his career, said he expects Doncic to be received warmly.

I think hell get a standing ovation and theyll clap and cheer, James said.

Youll hear his name a lot.

Thats what Im expecting.

James said the team is prepared to help Doncic work through the unusual circumstances.

Whatever he needs, James said.

I think winning will be the best solution..

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