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Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard fined after Lakers' Game 4 loss
TL;DR
Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard of the Lakers were fined after their team's 115-96 loss to the Rockets in Game 4. Smart received a $35,000 fine, while Kennard was fined $25,000 for their conduct towards officials post-game.
Key points
- Lakers lost Game 4 to Rockets 115-96
- Marcus Smart fined $35,000, Luke Kennard fined $25,000
- Both players had words with officials post-game
- Lakers had 24 turnovers leading to 30 points for Rockets
- Smart and Kennard struggled offensively in the game
Los Angeles LakersHouston Rockets
The Los Angeles Lakers experienced quite a bit of frustration when they failed to sweep the Houston Rockets in Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday. They started to fall behind in the second quarter amidst a bundle of turnovers, and the game was virtually out of reach by the middle of the third quarter.
That is when the Lakers lost their cool a bit. Center Deandre Ayton elbowed Rockets star center Alperen Sengun in the head and was called for a flagrant 2 foul, which resulted in him being ejected. Near the end of the game, Lakers rookie Adou Thiero and Rockets guard Aaron Holiday were also ejected following a minor dust-up.
Right after L.A.'s 115-96 loss, emotions boiled over again, and Los Angeles starting guards Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard had some words for the officials working the game. The NBA has fined both as a result — Smart has been fined $35,000, and Kennard will owe $25,000.
Smart and Kennard were such big keys to the Lakers getting out to a 3-0 series lead, but both struggled on Sunday. They shot 3-of-8 from the field apiece, and they missed a combined five 3-point attempts. Smart did contribute five assists, three steals and three blocks, but he had four turnovers in 31 minutes. As a team, the Lakers had 24 turnovers, which led to 30 points off turnovers for Houston.
Q&A
Why were Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard fined?
They were fined for their inappropriate conduct towards officials following the Lakers' loss to the Rockets.
How much were Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard fined?
Marcus Smart was fined $35,000, and Luke Kennard was fined $25,000.
What happened in the Lakers' Game 4 against the Rockets?
The Lakers lost 115-96, struggling with turnovers and losing their composure, leading to multiple ejections and fines for players.
