Luka Doncic Ejection Sparks Calls for Referee J.T. Orr’s Removal

The Lakers star’s controversial playoff ejection, linked to alleged referee bias, has reignited debates over officiating standards in the NBA.

Luka Doncic was ejected in the fourth quarter of a playoff game after receiving a second technical foul, a decision widely criticized as a misunderstanding of his interaction with a courtside fan.
Referee J.T. Orr reportedly told the Lakers earlier in the game that he would 'talk to anybody but Luka,' leading to allegations of personal bias influencing the ejection.
The Lakers lost momentum following Doncic’s ejection, allowing the Thunder to secure a 136-120 comeback victory after trailing by one point.
LeBron James and Luka Doncic have both publicly disputed the referee’s decision, with James describing the call as 'weird' and Doncic asserting it was a misinterpretation.
Fan outrage and analyst criticism have intensified, with many calling for Orr’s removal and pointing to a broader pattern of inconsistent officiating in high-stakes games.