Lakers' Luke Kennard Sends Strong Message After NBA Punishment
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luke Kennard was fined $25,000 by the NBA for using inappropriate language toward officials after a Game 4 loss to the Houston Rockets, during which he and teammate Marcus Smart confronted referees. Kennard acknowledged the need to control his emotions but emphasized his loyalty to teammates. The incident followed a heated game that saw three players ejected, including Deandre Ayton for a Flagrant 2 foul. Kennard has been a key contributor in the series, averaging 17.8 points per game amid injuries to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
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By Matt AudiletContributing Sports WriterShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberSee more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.Los Angeles Lakers guards Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart were both issued fines for their actions immediately after a Game 4 loss to the Houston Rockets.Both Kennard and Smart got into a verbal altercation with referees following the Lakers' 115-96 loss at Houston's Toyota Center.Kennard was fined $25,000 for "directing inappropriate language toward games officials" and Smart was fined $35,000 for "questioning the integrity of game officials," the league announced on Monday.Three players were ejected during the Game 4 matchup.
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