Kari AndersonContributing writerTue, April 28, 2026 at 2:29 AM UTC·1 min readLos Angeles Lakers guards Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard have both been fined by the NBA after a heated interaction with the referees in Game 4 of the playoff series against the Houston Rockets, the league announced Monday.
Smart was fined $35,000 for “questioning the integrity of the game officials.” Kennard was $25,000 for “directing inappropriate language” at the referees. Per the league, both players committed the infractions after the 115-96 loss.
The following has been released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/k8LTZ9R8M6
Kennard and Smart’s frustration appeared to stem from the ejections of Lakers forward Adou Thiero and guard Aaron Holiday, who were sent off in the final minute of the game after a slight scuffle under the net. Smart could be seen verbally laying into the officials after the call.
Adou Thiero and Aaron Holiday were ejected late in Sunday's game.pic.twitter.com/fqJPrlbli6