Center Deandre Ayton was ejected from Game 4 on April 26, 2026, and the Los Angeles Lakers could not recover, dropping the contest to the Houston Rockets.
Ayton’s departure came during the second half, leaving the Lakers without their interior anchor. Following the ejection, Los Angeles faltered, allowing Houston to seize control and hand the Lakers a pivotal defeat.
The loss caps a disappointing outing in which the Lakers’ early efforts unraveled after Ayton left the floor. Houston’s victory puts additional pressure on Los Angeles as the series shifts forward.
Source: New York Post
