Graceffa, who rose to fame on YouTube in the early 2010s with gaming videos, vlogs, and storytelling content, teamed up with fellow YouTube Meghan Camarena for the global race around the world. The duo navigated challenges across multiple countries, competing for a $1 million prize. Despite the adventure, Graceffa has now revealed that behind the scenes, the experience took an emotional toll, particularly due to interactions with production staff who knew about his private struggle with his sexual orientation.

In a detailed interview, Graceffa recounted a specific conversation with a producer who directly suggested he use the show as his coming-out moment. "The Amazing Race was a lot of fun, but it was truly traumatizing. It's crazy. They wanted me to come out on the show!" Graceffa stated. He further quoted the producer as saying, "You should come out on the show," to which Graceffa reportedly replied, "I'll come out if you write me that USD 1 million check at the finish line!" The creator emphasized that he was not prepared for such a public revelation at the time, noting, "That didn't happen. I would not have been ready back then."

This revelation comes more than a decade after the season aired, during which Graceffa and Camarena placed fifth overall. The show's format, known for its high-stakes challenges, physical demands, and interpersonal drama, often amplifies personal stories for viewer engagement. For LGBTQ+ contestants like Graceffa, who was still privately grappling with his identity, such pressures could exacerbate internal conflicts.

Graceffa's path to public LGBTQ+ advocacy was marked by careful timing and personal growth. He publicly came out as gay in a heartfelt YouTube video on May 16, 2015, titled "Don't Wait," which amassed millions of views and resonated deeply with his young fanbase. In reflections shared recently, Graceffa explained why delaying his announcement until after 'The Amazing Race' was crucial for his well-being. "Waiting until 2015 allowed me to share his story on his own terms," he noted, underscoring the importance of autonomy in personal disclosures for gay men navigating fame.

Since coming out, Graceffa has built a multifaceted career, including authoring young adult fantasy novels like the Children of Eden series and his 2026 release The Twelve, and producing the award-winning YouTube series Escape the Night. While he announced a high-profile split from long-term partner Daniel Preda in 2020, his continued openness has positioned him as a prominent role model for gay men and the wider LGBTQ+ community seeking authentic representation in media. Graceffa's recent comments revive vital conversations about the ethical responsibilities of reality TV producers toward the mental health and autonomy of queer contestants.

Graceffa's account is not isolated within the reality TV landscape. Shows like 'The Amazing Race,' which has aired since 2001 and is produced by Emmy-winning team Bertram van Munster and Jerry Bruckheimer, have featured numerous LGBTQ+ participants over 35+ seasons. However, instances of alleged coercion or sensationalism have surfaced periodically. For example, other queer reality stars have spoken about producers amplifying personal dramas for ratings, though 'The Amazing Race' has generally been praised for its focus on competition over confessional-style gossip.

In Graceffa's case, the pressure reportedly stemmed from producers sensing his internal conflict and viewing it as compelling narrative fodder. He described the overall experience as "messy," a sentiment echoed in broader critiques of how reality formats can blur lines between entertainment and exploitation, particularly for individuals from marginalized communities like gay men.

CBS has not publicly responded to Graceffa's claims as of the latest reports. A spokesperson for 'The Amazing Race' could not be immediately reached for comment, but the show's long-standing reputation includes multiple Emmy wins for Outstanding Reality-Competition Program.

Graceffa's story sheds light on ongoing challenges for LGBTQ+ individuals in high-visibility media. By sharing his experience now, he advocates for greater sensitivity from producers toward contestants' personal timelines for disclosure. "Reality TV can be so messy," Graceffa observed, pointing to the potential psychological impact on participants who are outed or pushed prematurely.

For many in the LGBTQ+ community, Graceffa's decision to wait until 2015 exemplifies person-first agency, allowing him to control his narrative amid a growing wave of queer YouTubers like Tyler Oakley and Gigi Gorgeous. His reflections contribute to dialogues on consent, trauma, and ethical storytelling in entertainment, especially as streaming platforms increasingly feature unscripted content.

The timing of these disclosures aligns with heightened awareness of mental health in entertainment. Graceffa's use of "traumatizing" underscores the lasting effects of such pressures, resonating with transgender people and others who have faced similar media scrutiny.

Joey Graceffa’s account of his time on The Amazing Race is not isolated within the reality TV landscape. Shows like The Amazing Race, produced by the Emmy-winning team of Bertram van Munster and Jerry Bruckheimer, have featured numerous LGBTQ+ participants over 36+ seasons. However, Graceffa’s recent March 2026 interview with Out Magazine has brought alleged instances of production coercion back into the spotlight.

In Graceffa’s case, the pressure reportedly stemmed from a producer sensing his internal conflict and viewing it as "compelling narrative fodder." Graceffa described the experience as "truly traumatizing," a sentiment echoed in broader critiques of how reality formats can blur the lines between entertainment and exploitation—particularly for individuals from marginalized communities.

Following his time on the show, Graceffa expanded his brand significantly. His 2015 memoir, In Real Life: My Impossible Road to Manhood, detailed his pre-coming-out struggles, and he eventually came out on his own terms in a 2015 YouTube video. Today, he maintains a massive digital presence with over 9 million subscribers on his main channel, producing content focused on lifestyle, gaming, and his popular series Escape the Night.

Graceffa’s recent candor has sparked widespread social media discussion, with fans on platforms like Instagram praising his resilience and his decision to prioritize his mental health over a television storyline.

As The Amazing Race continues, Graceffa’s account serves as a critical reminder of the human element behind the competition. It prompts vital questions about production practices and the need for robust support systems to ensure that LGBTQ+ contestants can participate without compromising their personal journeys or being pressured into premature public disclosures.

In an official statement, the BBC stated: "While we do not comment on matters relating to individuals, we can confirm Scott Mills is no longer contracted and has left the BBC." This confirmation came amid reports that his contract was terminated over the weekend.

Lorna Clarke, Director of Music at the BBC, communicated the news directly to staff in an internal statement, emphasizing the unexpected nature of the departure. She wrote: "I wanted to personally let you know that Scott Mills has left the Breakfast show, and the BBC. I know that this news will be sudden and unexpected and therefore must come as a shock. Not least as so many of us have worked with Scott over a great many years, across a broad range of our programmes on R1, 5Live, R2 and TV. I felt it was important to share this news with you at the earliest opportunity."

The internal memo underscores the close professional relationships built over Mills' extensive career at the BBC, spanning stations like Radio 1, 5 Live, Radio 2, and television programming. Colleagues expressed surprise, given his status as one of Radio 2's most recognizable voices.

Scott Mills joined the BBC in the early 2000s, initially gaining prominence on BBC Radio 1 with his weekday afternoon show, which he hosted from 2004 to 2022. He transitioned to BBC Radio 2 in 2022, taking over the weekday afternoon slot before moving to the Breakfast show. His career also included stints on BBC Radio 5 Live and various television appearances, making him a familiar figure in British media.

Mills, who is gay, has been open about his identity and has supported LGBTQ+ causes throughout his career, including participation in events like Pride and advocacy for inclusive representation in media. His departure raises questions about the impact on visible LGBTQ+ figures in public broadcasting, though no direct connection between his identity and the allegations has been reported.

Reports indicate that a complaint regarding Mills' behavior and personal conduct prompted senior BBC management to act swiftly. The 53-year-old presenter was removed from his show last Tuesday as the organization conducted its assessment, leading to contract termination by the weekend. The BBC has maintained silence on the specifics, aligning with their policy against discussing individual employee matters.

Multiple outlets describe the allegations as relating to "personal conduct," but no further public information has emerged. This mirrors previous high-profile BBC cases where personnel changes followed internal investigations, though each instance is treated individually.

The news has reverberated through the media industry, with staff reactions captured in internal communications as "shocking" due to Mills' long-standing presence. Radio 2, known for its mix of music and entertainment targeting an older audience, now faces the task of replacing a key presenter on its Breakfast show.

From an LGBTQ+ perspective, Mills' visibility as an openly gay broadcaster has been significant in promoting person-first representation and normalizing diverse identities in mainstream media. Organizations like Stonewall have historically praised figures like Mills for their contributions to inclusive broadcasting, though no specific statement on this incident has been issued as of today. His exit prompts discussions on accountability and support structures for LGBTQ+ media personalities facing workplace complaints.

Listeners and fans have taken to social media platforms to express dismay, with hashtags like #ScottMills trending briefly. However, the BBC has not announced a replacement or further programming changes at this stage.

This incident occurs against a backdrop of increased scrutiny on broadcaster conduct policies, particularly at the BBC, which has faced public and parliamentary inquiries into workplace culture in recent years. The corporation's handling of complaints has been a focal point, with commitments to transparency balanced against privacy protections.

For LGBTQ+ individuals in media, such events highlight the dual pressures of public visibility and professional accountability. Affirming language and person-first approaches in reporting, as used here, ensure respectful coverage regardless of outcomes.

As this is a developing story, further details may emerge from official BBC updates or statements from Mills himself. The broadcaster has indicated no additional comment at present.

The tour schedule begins on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at FirstBank Amphitheater in Franklin, Tennessee, and continues through October 11, 2026, at Toyota Pavilion at Concord in Concord, California. Key dates include August 23 in Clarkston, Michigan, at Pine Knob Music Theatre; August 24 in Burgettstown, Pennsylvania, at The Pavilion at Star Lake; September 2 in Toronto, Ontario, at RBC Amphitheatre; September 8 in Chicago, Illinois, at Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island; October 2 in Atlanta, Georgia, at Synovus Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park; and October 9 in Las Vegas, Nevada, at Fontainebleau Las Vegas. Additional stops cover venues in New York, Massachusetts, Ohio, Texas, Arizona, and more, blending amphitheaters and arenas across the U.S. and Canada.

Fans can expect performances of iconic tracks such as TLC's "No Scrubs" and "Waterfalls," Salt-N-Pepa's "Push It" and "Shoop," and En Vogue's "Free Your Mind" and "Don’t Let Go ." The groups provided further details in a Live Nation Q&A session. This tour announcement coincides with a historic joint performance at the iHeartRadio Music Awards on March 26, 2026, airing at 8 p.m. local time on FOX, representing their first shared stage appearance.

Ticket sales begin with Citi presales in the U.S. and American Express presales in Canada on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, followed by additional presales throughout the week. General public onsale starts Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 10 a.m. local time via LiveNation.com. VIP packages are available for each group, enhancing fan experiences with meet-and-greets, signed posters, premium tickets, early entry, and exclusive gifts. Salt-N-Pepa's VIP offerings, available through please.co or venue platforms, start on March 26 at 10 a.m. local time; TLC and En Vogue packages are via vipnation.com.

These groups have long been trailblazers, breaking barriers for women in hip-hop and R&B with multi-platinum sales and GRAMMY wins. Their music has resonated across diverse audiences, including LGBTQ+ communities, where anthems like En Vogue's empowering tracks and TLC's socially conscious hits have provided soundtracks for self-expression and pride events over decades. While no specific LGBTQ+ community responses to this announcement were detailed in initial coverage, the groups' history of inclusive fanbases suggests strong anticipation within these circles for live celebrations of their timeless catalogs. The tour promises a powerhouse evening of nostalgia and high energy, uniting fans for a rare convergence of music legends.

Even as Hollywood still drives how Americans envision little green men with big eyes and bigger heads, fiction soon could be separated from — or revealed as — fact if government agencies release secret files related to extraterrestrials and UFOs as called for in February by President Donald Trump.

The science fiction genre has shaped how people think about intelligent life elsewhere in the universe — “whether it’s invasion narratives or aliens coming to warn us that we’re on the wrong track or aliens just trying to come and make contact and help us with things or just say ‘hi,’” says Duke University professor Priscilla Wald, who teaches a class on science fiction and film.

Trump's announcement on social media followed former President Barack Obama suggesting in a podcast interview that aliens were real. Obama later clarified that he had not seen evidence that aliens had made contact, but said since the universe is so vast odds are good that life exists elsewhere.

Movies say they are nearly everywhere, from a Pennsylvania cornfield in 2002's “Signs” to Wyoming's Devil's Tower in 1977's “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” to a Central American jungle where 1987's “Predator” was set.

“Hollywood has basically been preparing the public for this,” retired Navy Rear Adm. Timothy Gallaudet says of any revelation that intelligent life from outer space exists and has visited Earth. “I think people can handle it. It does, of course, depend on what information is released (by the government)."

Hollywood quickly latched on following the 1947 discovery of debris near Roswell, New Mexico. Authorities initially identified crash materials as a flying disc before quickly backtracking and saying they were from a high-altitude weather balloon.

About three years after Roswell, “The Flying Saucer” made it to theaters. That was followed by a some low-budget and mostly forgettable movies, while others continue to inspire sci-fi buffs like 1951’s “The Day the Earth Stood Still.”

“If you think back to the flourishing of alien films, this starts really in the U.S. in the 1950s,” Wald says.

“The aliens are gentle souls who come down and try to warn us after nuclear war," she says of “The Day the Earth Stood Still.” “They’re trying to warn that we’re creating problems in the cosmos and that if we don’t stop, they are and have to do something about it."

Still others depict visitors arriving with more nefarious motives and intentions — to kill us, to take over the Earth, sometimes even to make us food.

“I think if we found out aliens were on the way, there would be a mix of responses,” Wald says. “I think there would be a lot of people out there welcoming them. A lot of people would be going down to the cellars and stocking them with canned food."

A plethora of documentaries also have been released, including 2025’s “The Age of Disclosure,” which details government knowledge of the existence of intelligent life outside of humans and attempts to reverse engineer alien technology.

Steven Spielberg has directed such box office hits as 1982's “E.T. The Extraterrestrial” and “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.” His upcoming film “Disclosure Day” teases: “If you found out we weren’t alone, if someone showed you, proved it to you, would that frighten you?”

“My question is always, 'Well, what is that fear really about?'” Wald says. “It seems to me it’s a reflection on who we are, that we’re projecting onto aliens the way we treat each other. So, the aliens are coming down, they want to conquer us, they’re violent. Who does that sound like? It sounds like us.”

Eleven months after releasing a song titled “Heil Hitler” and just over two months after publishing an apology letter for his antisemitism, Ye let two decades of hits — and 70,000 screaming loyal fans — speak the loudest on Friday night at SoFi Stadium.

"I want to thank y’all for sticking by me all these years. Through the hard times, through the low times," he told the crowd. “I love you for that.”

Hill joined Ye on a stage for the first time ever for an energetic rendition of his 2004 hit “All Falls Down,” which originally sampled her voice. Ye left the stage as she performed “Lost Ones” and “Doo Wop (That Thing)” before rejoining for his 2021 “Doo Wop”-sampling song “Believe What I Say.” They hugged as she exited.

Travis Scott, CeeLo Green and Ye's tween daughter North West also strapped on safety harnesses to join Ye high above the stadium floor atop a striking half-orb stage, which alternately depicted a moon, a rotating Earth and a smoking sphere throughout the two hours-plus livestreamed performance.

A loud singalong of “Heartless” midway through the more than 40-song Good Friday show seemed to boost Ye’s spirits: “That’s what 80,000 people sound like, ladies and gentlemen. … They said I’d never be back in the States. Two sold-out concerts, baby!”

The first SoFi show Wednesday, his first major U.S. performance in nearly five years, turned out to be more of a warm-up as Ye was tentative in his rapping and drew attention to technical mishaps.

Fans at that show said they separated the 48-year-old performer’s personal beliefs and public statements from his music — and were ready to forgive after his January apology letter.

“You gotta back your family no matter what,” said Vince Da Prince, a rapper from Downey, Calif. “He’s a part of our fam since we were little kids.”

Added fan Yovani Contreras: “I don’t really bring into politics or the way someone’s personal opinion are. I’m into the music artistry … Like, I just, to me, Ye is always gonna be Ye. Kanye is always gonna be Kanye.”

Luis Velasquez said he’d been a longtime fan and had been put off by controversies in recent years, but felt the apology was sincere.

“Yeah he did apologize,” he said. “He’s taking the medication I think is what he mentioned. … For me as a fan that’s, like, respect, right? Like I think that’s cool enough to bridge that gap.”

Ye released his latest album, “Bully,” under both the names Ye and Kanye West, at the end of March. He dominated hip-hop and pop charts in the 2000s and early 2010s, winning 24 Grammy Awards despite public outbursts and a polarizing personality. He lost nearly all his major business partnerships and many fans after a string of controversies in the last several years including antisemitic remarks and social media posts.

He closed Friday night's show with his “toast to the douchebags" hit “Runaway,” and walked out of the stadium behind his wife Bianca Censori and two of his children.

Less than a quarter later, Flagg was the first teenager to score 51 points in an NBA game in Dallas' 138-127 loss to the Orlando Magic on Friday night.

Flagg scored 24 points in the fourth quarter after coach Jason Kidd and forward Naji Marshall were ejected complaining about what they thought was a no-call when Desmond Bane fouled Flagg.

Kidd was tossed even though he was assessed just one technical foul, while Marshall had gotten another tech at the end of the first half. His second came just moments after Kidd was thrown out.

“It’s great to see,” Flagg said after going 19 of 30 from the field and making all seven of his free throws and topping his previous career high of 49 in a 123-121 loss to Charlotte on Jan. 29.

“I already know that coach has my back and Naji ... I know he has my back for sure out there,” Flagg said. “Just seeing their emotion, seeing them fight for me and fight for the calls. Definitely some emotion, and motivated me even further.”

Flagg exited the game with 45 points, but assistant coach Frank Vogel, filling in for Kidd, told the 19-year-old he was just resting him during a defensive possession.

Vogel called a timeout to get Flagg back in with 3:22 remaining, and Flagg made history a little more than a minute later. He missed a 3-pointer the first time down, then missed a follow attempt on Brandon Williams' miss, got the rebound again and made a corner 3.

On the next Dallas possession, he hit an off-balance shot in the lane while getting fouled to clinch 50, made the free throw and left to a standing ovation.

The Mavericks were down 30 when Flagg started his fourth-quarter scoring barrage in what ended up being their 14th consecutive home loss. It's the longest home losing streak since Dallas lost the first 19 games at since-demolished Reunion Arena in 1993-94.

“It’s always fun getting into that type of mode,” Flagg said. “The basket feels big. My teammates are looking out for you, helping you out. But I like to win. That was my main focus. It’s hard for me to fully enjoy myself out there when we’re down 20, down 10, down 15, for the majority of the game.”

Flagg said he thought it was obvious Bane had fouled him in the opening two minutes of the fourth.

“I think it was warranted,” Flagg said about Kidd's reaction. “I’m not going to lie. I talked to Bane after the play, and he told me he was intentionally trying to foul me. I honestly don’t know how they didn’t see that. Obviously, they must not have had the right view, or they weren’t paying attention. But they missed it.”

Kidd said there was “a lot of excitement in the back” as he watched Flagg with a TV delay, hearing the crowd reaction before the buckets as the former Duke standout was 8 of 12 from the field and 4 of 6 from deep in the fourth.

Flagg's previous career high came against former Duke teammate Kon Knueppel, the fourth overall pick and fellow contender for rookie of the year.

Kidd continues to stump for Flagg to win the same award Kidd won with the Mavs 31 years ago, and dropped a Michael Jordan reference after Flagg's latest milestone. Yes, Jordan was the 1985 Rookie of the Year.

“He should be rookie of the year,” Kidd said. “It’s unbelievable. The country’s not watching the same thing we get to watch on a daily basis. He’s in rare air. He’s with the GOAT when you talk about MJ and what he did in his rookie year. And as a teenager, to see what Cooper’s doing, just the excitement, the joy, playing the game, win or lose, his spirit, is about winning. Right now we’re not.”

For at least one night, the rookie overshadowed the long home losing streak, even though he couldn't end it.

Tatum was an assist shy of his second straight triple-double despite sitting out the entire fourth quarter of a game the Celtics never trailed. He had 11 rebounds and nine assists Friday after collecting 25 points, 18 rebounds and 11 assists Wednesday in a 147-129 triumph over the Miami Heat.

In the Miami game, Boston scored 53 points in the opening period — its highest first-quarter point total in franchise history. The Celtics didn’t quite match that Friday, but they made eight of their first nine 3-point attempts and led 43-26 after the opening period.

That represented the most first-quarter points Milwaukee had allowed all season.

Boston (52-25) remained 2 1/2 games ahead of the New York Knicks in the competition for the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. The Celtics are four games behind the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons.

Neemias Queta had 19 points and 10 rebounds for the Celtics, who shot 56.2% overall and 17 of 37 from 3-point range. Derrick White scored 17, Payton Pritchard 16 and Sam Hauser 13.

Taurean Prince scored 18 points to lead Milwaukee. Pete Nance had 14 points and a career-high 10 rebounds.

Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo missed a 10th straight game due to what the Bucks have described as hyperextension in his left knee and a bone bruise. He told The Athletic and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel before the game that he's healthy and wants to play.

The Bucks also were missing Kevin Porter Jr. (right knee), Bobby Portis (left wrist sprain), Ryan Rollins (right hip strain) and Gary Trent Jr. (left hip pointer).

Boston was without Nikola Vucevic, who last played March 6 as he deals with a fractured right ring finger.

Up next

Celtics: Host the Toronto Raptors on Sunday.

Bucks: Host the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday.

Parker, Holdsclaw and members of the 1996 Olympic team were all in attendance as well as Amar’e Stoudemire and Mike D’Antoni.

They will be joined by longtime NBA official Joey Crawford, NBA coach Doc Rivers and Gonzaga coach Mark Few.

The group was announced at halftime of the women's Final Four with many members in attendance.

Parker won three titles in the WNBA with three teams: Los Angeles, Chicago and Las Vegas. She's the only player in league history to win both the MVP and Rookie of the Year in the same season.

She also won two titles while playing in college for Tennessee under Hall of Fame coach Pat Summitt, two Olympic gold medals and two WNBA MVP awards.

Delle Donne won two league MVP awards in 2015 and 2019, the second of which came when she led the Washington Mystics to their lone WNBA championship. Delle Donne became the first player in league history to shoot over 50% from the field, 40% from behind the 3-point line and 90% from the free throw line.

Holdsclaw won three straight titles at Tennessee from 1996-98, the first team to accomplish that. The 1998 championship was Tennessee’s first undefeated season at 39–0 and the Vols also set an NCAA record for the most wins in a season. Holdsclaw went on to an 11-year WNBA career.

Stoudemire, who was the only NBA player in this year's class, was the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2003 and six-time All-Star. He spent the first eight years of his career with the Phoenix Suns, where he teamed with D'Antoni.

Rivers got nearly 1,200 victories on his resume which puts him eighth on the all-time wins list. He led the Boston Celtics to the NBA championship in 2008 and was also in charge of the Los Angeles Clippers during their Lob City era.

Few has won over 770 games at Gonzaga in his career at the school. He set the NCAA Division I men's coaching record by winning 81 games in his first three years at the school.

Crawford officiated 2,561 regular-season NBA games and 50 Finals games over his 39-year career. He retired in 2016.

The enshrinement ceremony will take place in August at the Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Doncic is the NBA's top scorer and the driving force behind the Lakers' surge into the third spot in the Western Conference standings, but he injured his leg during Los Angeles' blowout loss in Oklahoma City on Thursday. An MRI exam revealed the severity of the strain.

The Pacific Division champion Lakers (50-27) have just five games left before the postseason, starting Sunday at Dallas.

Grade 2 hamstring strains sometimes require several weeks of recovery, but Doncic also has prior experience with hamstring issues. He missed four games right before the All-Star break with another left hamstring strain, but returned to the lineup after the break.

Doncic is putting up spectacular numbers in his first full season with the Lakers, who acquired the Slovenian superstar from the Mavericks last season. He is averaging 33.5 points, 8.3 assists and 7.7 rebounds per game for Los Angeles, and he was named the NBA's Western Conference player of the month for March after racking up 13 consecutive 30-point performances, including seven 40-point games, a 51-point barrage against Chicago and a 60-point masterclass in Miami.

Doncic scored a whopping 600 points in March, becoming only the 10th player in NBA history to hit that mark in one month. While LeBron James and Austin Reaves have also played well down the stretch, the Lakers thoroughly depend on Doncic, who either scored or assisted on 58% of the their total points in March.

Doncic is all but certain to win his second NBA scoring title — but he has played in only 64 games this season, which means he will finish one game shy of the 65-game threshold to be eligible for the NBA's biggest postseason awards.

He was a lock to be an All-NBA selection, and he had even been making a late run at consideration for the MVP award with his outstanding play down the stretch.

Along with his two absences caused by hamstring injuries and a handful of additional absences for minor medical maintenance early in the season, Doncic missed two games last December while flying to Slovenia for the birth of his second child. He also missed one game last week under suspension for accumulating 16 technical fouls.

Since he sits just shy of the 65-game threshold, Doncic theoretically could challenge the rule by citing the extraordinary circumstances of his daughter's birth in Europe through the grievance process created for these collectively bargained rules. It's wholly unclear whether that appeal would have any chance of success.

If Doncic wins the scoring title but doesn't make the All-NBA teams, he would be only the third scoring champ in league history to fail to do so. Elvin Hayes wasn't selected when he won the crown as a rookie in 1969, and Bob McAdoo wasn't chosen for the teams in 1976.

Lakers coach JJ Redick said Doncic was injured in the first half against the Thunder, but was cleared to return to the game while his team was getting plastered by the defending NBA champion Thunder. Doncic lasted only about four minutes before he spun, stopped and went down on the court in pain, leading to his departure.

The loss was only the Lakers' third in 19 games since Feb. 26, but Doncic's absence casts a cloud of uncertainty over the rest of their year. Los Angeles only leads fourth-place Denver (49-28) by one game, while sixth-place Minnesota (46-30) is 3 1/2 games back with a game in hand.

The Lakers’ regular-season finale is next Sunday, April 12, at home against Utah. Their first-round playoff series is expected to start the following weekend.