NBA Fines Marcus Smart $35K, Luke Kennard $25K for Post-Game Remarks
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The NBA issued fines to Lakers guards Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard for comments made to officials following Game 4, the league announced on social media.
Smart was docked $35,000 for “questioning the integrity of game officials,” according to the statement. Kennard received a $25,000 penalty for using “inappropriate language” toward the crew.
The incident unfolded after the final horn, when Smart, surrounded by teammates and Rockets players, appeared to shout and point at referee James Williams. Williams had ejected Deandre Ayton and Adou Thiero in the second half. Kennard, positioned on the edge of the gathering, was seen speaking to someone off camera.
The Lakers expressed particular frustration over the removal of Thiero, a rookie appearing in his first postseason contest. Thiero and Aaron Holiday were thrown out after battling for position beneath the basket.
“I’m more pissed off about them kicking Adou out. That was uncalled for and it made no sense,” LeBron James said afterward. “I don’t think that was warranted. Give him two technicals, the kid just got in the game, that was ridiculous.”
The league did not announce any additional discipline stemming from the altercation.
Source: Hoops Rumors
