Lakers’ Luka Doncic faces potential 1-game suspension if technical foul is confirmed.

LOS ANGELES — As Luka Doncic’s candidacy for MVP was gaining momentum, the Los Angeles Lakers player received his 16th technical foul of the season on Friday against the Brooklyn Nets, which could lead to a one-game suspension if the ruling stands.

Doncic and Nets forward Ziaire Williams were both given double technical fouls with 5:12 left in the third quarter after they engaged in physical contact following an offensive foul called on Doncic.

A review of the incident revealed Doncic pushing Williams, who responded by swiping at Doncic’s face. Crew chief Sean Wright issued technical fouls to both players.

Doncic had already received his 16th technical last weekend for a verbal exchange with Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze, but the NBA later rescinded the technical fouls on both players after the Lakers lodged an appeal.

Unless this latest technical is also overturned — which seems unlikely given that officials already reviewed the situation before making their call — Doncic will serve a one-game suspension when the Lakers face the Washington Wizards on Monday, having reached the threshold for suspension.

Entering the game, Doncic had been recognized as the Western Conference Player of the Week for two consecutive weeks, averaging 39.5 points on 48% shooting (38.6% from three), along with 8.1 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 2.5 steals over his last 11 games, during which the Lakers recorded a 10-1 record.