The Los Angeles Lakers absorbed a 115-96 loss to the Houston Rockets in Game 4 of their Western Conference first-round series on Sunday, but the postgame conversation quickly shifted beyond the scoreline. Two Lakers, Deandre Ayton and rookie Adou Thiero, were ejected in separate incidents, while tensions escalated late in the fourth quarter with multiple technical fouls issued.
The main moment that carried into the locker room involved Luka Doncic, who stepped in to support Thiero after his ejection. According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, “In the locker room after the game, Lakers star Luka Doncic told Thiero he would pay for whatever fine the NBA will charge him for the infraction.” The gesture came after Thiero and Aaron Holiday were both ejected with 1:11 remaining following a verbal exchange.
The incident added to a difficult night for Los Angeles, which committed 23 turnovers and fell behind by as many as 28 points. Amen Thompson led Houston with 23 points, while no Laker scored more than 20. The Lakers still lead the series 3-1, but the physical tone and disciplinary decisions in Game 4 have created added attention heading into Game 5.
Adou Thiero Incident Highlights Lakers Locker Room Support
GettyLos Angeles Lakers forward Adou Thiero
Luka Doncic’s postgame message to Thiero stood out as a sign of internal support following a chaotic finish. The rookie was ejected after jawing with Holiday during a rebound sequence, part of a stretch where officials issued five technical fouls combined.
James was vocal in his disagreement with the call. “I’m more [expletive] about them kicking Adou out,” he said. “That was uncalled for, and it made no sense.” Lakers head coach JJ Redick also said he did not receive a clear explanation for the ejection.
After the final buzzer, tensions remained high. Lakers players told ESPN that Jae’Sean Tate was taunting their team at center court. Marcus Smart downplayed the exchange when asked afterward, saying, “Hilarious… Very hilarious.”
Doncic’s gesture toward Thiero comes at a moment when the Lakers are managing both playoff pressure and roster challenges, including injuries affecting ball-handling depth. His willingness to take on a potential fine reflects a veteran presence within the locker room during a volatile game.
LeBron James on Turnovers and Ejections
While the late-game incident drew attention, the Lakers’ struggles began much earlier. James took responsibility for the loss after finishing with 10 points and eight turnovers. “It started with me, obviously,” he said. “My turnovers were unacceptable.”
Los Angeles trailed by nine at halftime before Houston pulled away with a 34-18 third quarter. James committed four turnovers in that period and shot 2-for-9 overall.
Ayton’s ejection further hurt the Lakers’ chances. He was assessed a Flagrant 2 foul after making contact with Alperen Sengun during a post-play. The call was upgraded after review, a decision that drew confusion from both sides.
“We both are sweaty guys,” Ayton said. “[My arm] just slipped off his shoulder.” James added, “I know what I saw… his arm slipped going up and then hit him in the head.” Sengun also expressed surprise at the ruling, saying he “didn’t expect them to eject him.”
Despite the loss, the Lakers remain one win away from advancing. Game 5 shifts back to Los Angeles, where they will look to close out the series and reset after a game defined by turnovers, officiating decisions, and rising tensions.
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