Lakers’ Doncic penalized $50,000 for “money” sign directed at referee

LOS ANGELES — Luka Doncic has been penalized $50,000 for making an “inappropriate and unprofessional gesture” towards a referee during the Los Angeles Lakers’ 110-97 victory over the New York Knicks, as announced by the NBA on Tuesday.

With 4:35 left in the third quarter on Sunday, Doncic tried to draw a charge on Knicks forward Mohamed Diawara but was called for a blocking foul instead.

While Doncic was on the ground after taking the hit from Diawara, he rubbed his fingers together — creating a money gesture — while looking at official Tre Maddox.

This season, Doncic has had multiple confrontations with league officials, accumulating 15 technical fouls in 52 games played. Should he receive a 16th technical foul, he will face a one-game suspension.