Brandon Ingram, Rajon Rondo and Chris Paul were all ejected during the fourth quarter in Saturday’s Rockets-Lakers contest after a chaotic altercation that had the players exchanging punches.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPdOHPpY0jM
Ingram pushed James Harden after being called for a shooting foul, then got in the face of an official after receiving a technical foul. Moments later, Chris Paul and Rondo exchanged punches before Ingram came flying back in to throw a punch at Paul.
It all started when James Harden completed a breakaway lay-up and was fouled in the act by Brandon Ingram who complained to the referee before things escalated.
The brawl was broken up by assistant coaches, officials and players currently on the floor, including LeBron James, who restrained Paul, while Carmelo Anthony and two Lakers held back Ingram.
Chris Paul accused Rondo of spitting in his face, leading to his reaction. However, Rondo denied doing any such thing and said that he was “livid” at the allegation. Additionally, initial replays did not show any such action on the basketball court.
The game was paused for several minutes while the incident dissipated, before Ingram was ejected for two technical fouls, and Paul and Rondo also were removed.
With the NBA’s Kiki VanDeWeghe on the scene at Staples, investigation into Rockets-Lakers fight is underway tonight and there is potential for suspensions as soon as Sunday, league source tells ESPN. Rockets play Clippers on a back-to-back.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 21, 2018
It is clear that it is likely that the three players will face suspension following the altercation.
The game ended in a 124-115 victory for Houston, with the Lakers unable to regain their composure after the fracas. Los Angeles dropped to 0-2, while James contributed a 24-point haul.