Lakers Marcus Smart, Luke Kennard Fined After Rockets Playoff Game

Lakers' Marcus Smart, Luke Kennard fined for criticizing officials

Lakers can clinch vs Rockets Wednesday but guards Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard were fined Monday for criticizing officials after Game 4.

NBA fines Marcus Smart, Luke Kennard Monday for postgame criticism of refs...

  

The NBA fined Los Angeles Lakers guards Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard on Monday for criticizing officials after a playoff loss in Houston, the league announced.

  

Smart received a $35,000 fine for questioning the integrity of the officials. He complained to referee James Williams about unnecessary ejections.

  

Kennard was fined $25,000 for using inappropriate language toward referees.

Both incidents happened moments after Houston's 115-96 win over the Lakers on Sunday, which pulled the Rockets to 3-1 in the best-of-seven Western Conference first-round playoff series.

The following has been released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/k8LTZ9R8M6

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) April 28, 2026

The Lakers can advance to the second round with a home win over the Rockets on Wednesday.

  

The Rockets avoided a sweep but need a win Wednesday to force Game 6 on Friday in Houston.

  

A winner-take-all Game 7, if necessary, would be played Sunday in Los Angeles.