Ja Morant to Appeal Flopping Technical as Damian Lillard Questions NBA Referees

Posted : 28 October 2026

Portland Trail Blazers guard Ja Morant has announced plans to appeal a technical foul for flopping during his team's 136-129 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday. The decision came during a tense fourth quarter, when officials penalised three players for flopping in the closing six minutes of the contest.

Morant was called for the violation while defending Lakers guard Austin Reaves, with Portland holding a narrow 121-120 advantage and less than four minutes remaining. As Reaves drove towards the basket, Morant absorbed contact to his chest and moved backwards with both arms raised. The officials ruled that his reaction constituted flopping.

The 26-year-old disagreed with the decision, insisting he had simply tried to defend himself without committing a foul. He explained that he remained on his feet rather than deliberately throwing himself to the floor and said he intended to challenge the call, which he believed could result in a fine of approximately $2,000.

Morant also explained that his defensive approach was influenced by the officiating throughout the game. According to the guard, Portland had attempted to adjust by keeping their hands visible and absorbing contact to demonstrate that the Lakers were initiating contact on drives to the basket.

Despite his frustration, Morant praised his teammates for maintaining their composure and securing the win. He finished with a season-high 23 points, helping Portland improve its record with another strong offensive performance.

Damian Lillard also questioned the officials' decisions, arguing that flopping technicals should be reserved for more obvious attempts to deceive referees. The Portland guard scored 21 points and delivered a crucial three-pointer late in the fourth quarter to help seal the victory.

Lillard acknowledged that exaggerating contact is common in basketball but felt the officials should exercise greater discretion when games are being decided by narrow margins. He was particularly surprised by the number of flopping calls made during such a closely contested finish.

The game also saw Portland forward Toumani Camara and Lakers forward Ziaire Williams receive flopping technicals. The three calls highlighted the NBA's increased emphasis on discouraging players from exaggerating contact to influence officiating decisions.

Portland ultimately held on for the 136-129 win, despite a 41-point performance from Lakers star Luka Doncic. Reaves added 26 points for Los Angeles, but the Trail Blazers' balanced scoring and late-game execution proved decisive.

Morant's appeal will determine whether the technical foul and its associated financial penalty stand. The incident has also renewed discussion about how strictly officials should enforce the NBA's anti-flopping rules, particularly during decisive moments in closely fought games.

Ja Morant to Appeal Flopping Technical as Damian Lillard Questions NBA Referees

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