The Los Angeles Lakers saw two members of their backcourt hit with fines following their postgame reactions toward officials after Game 4, the National Basketball Association announced.
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 towards game officials,” with both incidents occurring after the final buzzer.
In the aftermath of the game, Smart was seen in a heated exchange, pointing and yelling toward referee James Williams, who had ejected Deandre Ayton and Adou Thiero earlier in the second half.
Kennard was also nearby during the confrontation, speaking off to the side.
Frustration from the Lakers largely centered on the ejection of Thiero, a rookie appearing in his first playoff game, who was tossed along with Aaron Holiday after a physical battle for position under the basket.
“I’m more pissed off about them kicking Adou out. That was uncalled for and it made no sense,” LeBron James said.
“Think that’s his first time he’s ever been thrown out of a game in his life. I don’t think that was warranted. Give him two technicals, the kid just got in the game, that was ridiculous.”
Marcus Smart, Luke Kennard Fined By NBA https://t.co/iB6S0XzJtt
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) April 28, 2026
