that every basketball fan would want because of some decision-making on some individuals’ parts.”

Doncic was ejected with 7:40 remaining in the game after making a layup that put the Lakers ahead 108-107.

The 26-year-old Slovenian star said he was talking trash with a fan sitting courtside after scoring, but referee J.T. Orr thought Doncic was talking to him, leading to the second technical of the night (and the automatic ejection) for Doncic.

Orr assessed Doncic his first technical at the 4:02 mark of the third quarter.

“The situation with Luca is unfortunate,” Reaves said. “He’s one of the best players in the league. And one thing everybody knows about him is he’s ultra-competitive. And he’s a gamer. So in big situations, everybody talks (expletive). And he’s talking to the guy in the front row.

“I don’t know if they thought he was talking about him or JT thought he was talking to him or what, but I thought it was very quick. It’s an unfortunate situation because you let so much go in one situation and then you don’t in one situation, so where’s the balance of holding everybody accountable to basically the same standard? I don’t know, unfortunate.”

The Thunder (65-14) immediately took advantage of Doncic’s absence, outscoring the Lakers 13-4 to seize a 120-112 lead midway through the fourth.

The Lakers, led by James (28 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists) and Reaves (24 points, 5 assists, 5 rebounds) down the stretch, cut their deficit to five (120-115) but couldn’t get any closer, with the Thunder scoring nine unanswered points from there to close out their win.

“Obviously when your best player gets ejected, it’s going to be tough,” Reaves said. “We’ve won games without him before, (but) he obviously makes everybody’s life a little easier when he’s out there.”

All-NBA guard and MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 42 points, 6 assists and 6 rebounds. All-Star guard Jalen Williams added 26 points, 4 assists and 4 rebounds.

Both teams took their main rotation players out with 1:47 left, with the Thunder leading 133-116.