Lakers’ Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard fined by NBA after heated Game 4 confrontation with officials
Apr 26, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart (36) attempts to score a basket as Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) defends during the third quarter during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
The NBA handed down significant financial penalties Monday following a heated conclusion to the Lakers‘ Game 4 loss in Houston. Marcus Smart was fined $35,000 for « questioning the integrity of game officials, » while Luke Kennard received a $25,000 fine for « directing inappropriate language toward games officials, » according to James Jones, the league’s executive vice president and head of basketball operations.
The fines stem from a verbal spat with referees that occurred immediately following Los Angeles’ 115-96 defeat to the Houston Rockets on Sunday. The loss prevented the Lakers from completing a sweep and marked Houston‘s first victory in the first-round series.
A frustrating night turns costly for Lakers guards
Game 4 proved to be a particularly frustrating evening for the Lakers, who started falling behind in the second quarter amid a bundle of turnovers. The game was virtually out of reach by the middle of the third quarter, leading to mounting tensions on both sides.
Three players were ejected during the chippy contest, with five technical fouls assessed between the two teams. Center Deandre Ayton was thrown out after elbowing Rockets star Alperen Sengun in the head, earning a flagrant 2 foul. Near the game’s end, Lakers rookie Adou Thiero and Rockets guard Aaron Holiday were also ejected following a minor dust-up.
Smart and Kennard, who had been instrumental in the Lakers‘ 3-0 series lead, both struggled significantly on Sunday. They shot 3-of-8 from the field apiece and missed a combined five 3-point attempts. Smart contributed five assists, three steals and three blocks but committed four turnovers in 31 minutes. As a team, the Lakers turned the ball over 24 times, leading to 30 points off turnovers for Houston.
Despite the setback, the Lakers still hold a commanding 3-1 series advantage and will have another opportunity to close out the series. Game 5 is scheduled for Wednesday at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, with tip-off set for 10 p.m. ET on ESPN, giving the Lakers a chance to advance to the second round with a victory on home court.
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