Marcus Smart Shrugs Off Rockets’ Trash Talk After Heated Game 4
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Houston, TX, Apr. 26, 2026 — A chippy Game 4 between the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets spilled into post-game jawing, but veteran guard Marcus Smart dismissed the Rockets’ taunts with a brief laugh.
Asked about forward JaeSean Tate challenging several Lakers — including Maxi Kleber — to a fight moments after the final buzzer, Smart replied, “Hilarious. Very hilarious.” The Rockets’ 116-105 victory at Toyota Center kept them alive in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs and pushed the series back to Los Angeles.
Multiple Ejections Mark Physical Contest
Tensions were evident well before the late exchange. Lakers center Deandre Ayton was thrown out midway through the third quarter for a Flagrant 2 after his elbow struck Rockets big man Alperen Sengun in the head. Sengun later called the ruling “soft,” saying the contact did not merit an ejection.
In the final minute, Lakers rookie Adou Thiero and Rockets guard Aaron Holiday were ejected after a verbal confrontation. Mavericks star Luka Doncic, watching from courtside, offered to cover Thiero’s anticipated fine.
The game featured several technical fouls as officials tried to keep both sides separated, and security stepped in when players continued arguing after the horn.
Series Returns to Los Angeles
Houston’s win cut the Lakers’ series lead to 3-1. While acknowledging the Rockets’ physical style, Smart said he is unfazed by the extra talking. “That’s playoff basketball,” he noted before heading to the locker room.
Game 5 is scheduled for Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena.
Source: LakersNation.com
