Frustrations are usually at an all-time high during the NBA playoffs, and in the case of the Lakers’ Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard, pent-up feelings turned into savory words directed at game officials. However, the verbal activity of Smart and Kennard after Game 4 would not go unpunished by the league.
On Monday, the NBA announced that Smart would be fined $35,000 for “questioning the integrity of game officials.” Kennard, meanwhile, was ordered to pay $25,000 “for directing inappropriate language toward game officials.”
Right after the Lakers lost 115-96 to the Rockets in Game 4, Smart had a spirited discussion with referee James Williams, who had ejected his teammate Adou Thiero and Rockets guard Aaron Holiday for a verbal altercation.
On social media, fans piled on Williams and criticized the NBA for the fines slapped on Smart and Kennard.
“Wannabe Gucci mane got his feelings hurt”
“Great now fine the refs coz they be compromising the integrity of the game the most”
“Soft ahh league. Fines players for speaking up against blatant game manipulation and gamblin shii sad”
“Fuck James Jones. Holy s***. when you can’t hold incompetent refs responsible”
“Can we have refs press conferences?”
“smart and kennard fined for mouthing off, classic”
Despite the financial blow to the two Lakers guards, the purple and gold squad remains in control of this series, which they lead 3-1. Game 5 is scheduled on Wednesday, and the Lakers will have a chance to close out the series on their home floor.
“That Was Uncalled For”: LeBron James Blasts Referees for Ejection of Lakers Rookie in Game 4
Not even LeBron James could contain himself as the Lakers reacted to the ejection of their rookie Adou Thiero. In the post-game media availability, James criticized the decision to eject the 21-year-old forward.
“I’m more pissed off about them kicking Adou out. That was uncalled for and it made no sense.”
James added that it was “ridiculous” for Thiero to be thrown out after logging just six minutes in Game 4.
