NBA Announces Punishment For Lakers Duo Before Game 5
The Los Angeles Lakers couldn't complete a first-round sweep over the Houston Rockets after falling to a 115-96 loss in Game 4. While they still hold a commanding 3-1 series lead, the Lakers will be hoping to finish the series off at home in Game 5.
Game 4 ended with multiple Lakers players in a tense standoff with the referees after they ejected rookie Adou Thiero during garbage time. This prompted Marcus Smart to go off on a tirade against referee James Williams. Luke Kennard also joined in during this spat and had choice words for the referees.
The NBA reviewed the incident after the game and announced punishments for Smart and Kennard for their actions. Smart was fined $35,000 for questioning the integrity of game officials, while Kennard was fined $25,000 for directing inappropriate language toward game officials.
"Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart has been fined $35,000 for questioning the integrity of game officials, and Lakers guard Luke Kennard has been fined $25,000 for directing inappropriate language toward game officials, it was announced today by James Jones, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations."
Thankfully, both Smart and Kennard will be available for Game 5, with only fines being issued for their remarks and actions.
Smart is averaging 17.5 points, 7.5 assists, and 3.5 steals in the series, with some believing he's been the Lakers' best player through the first four games. Kennard's hot start has trailed off, but he's still averaging 17.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists through the series.
Thiero was the second Lakers player to be ejected in Game 4, with center Deandre Ayton being sent off earlier after a flagrant two foul.
Thiero's ejection was a little bizarre, as the rookie forward had Rockets guard Aaron Holiday trying to aggressively box him out using his elbows. All Thiero did was call the referee to pay attention to that, which led to James Williams sprinting between Thiero and Holiday to create separation before ejecting both players.
Excessive intervention in a mild situation clearly baffled players on both ends, but since the game's result was a foregone conclusion, it didn't wind up impacting the game. It did ruin a Playoff moment for the young Thiero.
With all these players available for Game 5 on Wednesday at the Crypto.com Arena, hopefully, they can get their redemption then.
Related: Marcus Smart's LeBron James Message After Lakers Win Game 2 Against Rockets
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This story was originally published April 27, 2026 at 8:10 PM.