The clash between the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets on April 26, 2026, took an unexpected turn when Lakers center Deandre Ayton was thrown out of Game 4 for a Flagrant 2 foul at Toyota Center in Houston.
Midway through the third quarter, Ayton’s right elbow rode up and struck Rockets All-Star Alperen Sengun in the head while the two battled in the paint. After video review, the officiating crew ruled the contact excessive and issued an automatic ejection, forcing the Lakers big man to leave a contest his defense had largely controlled through the first three games of the first-round series.
Sengun, known for embracing physical play, told reporters he was surprised by the decision. “I didn’t expect them to eject him, to be honest,” he said. “I think it was a little bit soft.” The 21-year-old added that he was “glad they called it” but felt the incident did not merit removal.
Ayton later explained that he anticipated hard contact, tried to brace himself and slipped because both players were sweaty. Video confirmed his initial contact landed on Sengun’s shoulder before rising toward the head, lending context to his account. Sengun also indicated he did not believe Ayton acted with bad intent.
The Rockets’ victory kept the series alive at 3–1 and set the stage for Game 5 on Wednesday at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, where emotions figure to remain high.
Tempers flared again in the final minutes when Lakers rookie Adou Thiero and Houston guard Aaron Holiday were ejected after jostling for a rebound. Lakers star Luka Dončić said he would cover any fine levied against Thiero.
Source: Lakers Nation
