On Sunday night, the Los Angeles Lakers are playing Game 4 of their first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets in Texas.
The Lakers can sweep the series with a victory.
Deandre Ayton had 19 points and ten rebounds while shooting 9/12 from the field in his first 25 minutes of playing time.
Lakers Player Ejected From Game 4 Against Rockets
GettyDeandre Ayton #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on April 24, 2026 in Houston, Texas.
During the second half, Ayton got ejected from the game.
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin wrote: “Deandre Ayton is called for a Flagrant 2 foul for a forearm shot to the side of Alperen Sengun’s head and he is ejected. The Lakers, already down 76-57 midway through the 3rd Q, lose what had been their most effective player thus far.”
Ayton is in his first year playing for the Lakers.
The former Arizona star finished the regular season with averages of 12.5 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per contest while shooting 67.1% from the field in 72 games.
GettyDeandre Ayton #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers battles for position against Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets during the second half of Game One of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 18, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
The Lakers (who have been struggling to close out the Rockets) will miss Ayton heading into the fourth quarter.
They are also playing without Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic.
It’s possible if the game becomes a blowout, the Lakers will rest their starters (and look to close out the Rockets in Game 5 on Wednesday at home).
NBA Social Media Reacts To Ayton News
GettyDeandre Ayton #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on April 24, 2026 in Houston, Texas.
Here’s what people were saying about Ayton:
Skip Bayless: “Ayton did NOT deserve to be ejected.”
Brett Siegel: “Deandre Ayton has just been ejected for an “unnecessary and excessive” elbow to Alperen Sengun’s chin. Honestly, it didn’t look like a F2, and we’ve seen way worse be called common fouls, but his night is over.”
Lachard Binkley: “That was definitely unnecessary contact by Ayton He straight elbowed Sengun”
Lakers Nation: “Deandre Ayton has been ejected after his foul is upgraded to a Flagrant 2. From bad to worse for the #Lakers.”
Ayton’s Career
GettyLeBron James #23 and Deandre Ayton #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrate a play during the second half of their game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Crypto.com Arena on February 20, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
Ayton was the first pick in the 2018 NBA Draft.
He has also spent time with the Phoenix Suns and Portland Trail Blazers over eight seasons.
In 2021, Ayton helped the Suns make the NBA Finals.
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