Ja Morant to challenge $2,000 fine after flopping call in Lakers loss

Ja Morant will contest the technical foul he received for flopping during the Portland Trail Blazers' 136-129 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night in Los Angeles. The guard stated that his penalty resulted from contact to his chest while guarding Austin Reaves, and he intends to challenge the call.

The technical was one of three flopping calls made in the final six minutes of regulation. The teams combined for 71 free throws during that stretch. Portland forward Toumani Camara and Lakers forward Ziaire Williams also received technical fouls for flopping in the same period.

Morant, who finished with a season-high 23 points, estimated the fine at $2,000. He described his movement as a reaction to the bump, noting that he raised his hands and moved backward without falling to the floor. He disputed that his reaction met the standard for a flopping penalty.

Trail Blazers coach Micah Nori questioned the concentration of calls, noting that only 27 flopping technicals were issued across 2,000 games last season. He also pointed to the game's duration, which nearly reached 2 a.m. on the East Coast.

Damian Lillard, who scored 21 points and hit a late three-pointer to secure the win, said officials were forcing flopping technicals. He argued that a significant flop should be required for a call when the game outcome is still undecided.

Morant said Portland adjusted its defense after early fouls were called on drives. He credited his team for maintaining energy after the technical and finishing the game. The guard noted that most of the Lakers' free throws came from driving plays.

The technical occurred in the final four minutes with Portland leading 121-120. Morant took contact to his chest and moved backward with his arms raised while defending Reaves' drive to the paint. He stated that he remained on his feet throughout the sequence.