LOS ANGELES – On Saturday night, the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets went head-to-head in a marquee matchup between two Western Conference heavyweights. Although a showdown between some of the best teams in the conference was expected and that's what it turned out to be, a lot more happened on the court than anticipated.
Late in the fourth quarter, Brandon Ingram and James Harden had some words for one another creating some tension on the floor between the two teams. After the confrontation had been broken up another sparked up immediately with Rajon Rondo and Chris Paul going to blows. Not only did those two veterans connect on some punches, but Ingram showed he wasn't afraid to get physical.
Following the ejections of Ingram, Rondo, and Paul and the eventual loss to the Rockets, the Lakers players were asked about the incident and whether they were surprised Ingram got involved the way he did. Kyle Kuzma let it be known that he'd rather see some fight in his teammates than not.
“I'd rather see a guy with some fight in him,” Kuzma said of Ingram.
Lakers newcomer JaVale McGee also chimed in on the situation and what he saw from Ingram. McGee put it into simple terms.
“He's usually quiet, but poke the bear and get bit,” McGee said.
With Ingram getting involved in the scuffle, the third-year forward will almost certainly be hit with a suspension from the NBA. Chris Paul and Rajon Rondo will definitely face a stiff punishment for their involvement in the fight as well.
In the 29 minutes he played on Saturday night, Ingram finished with 12 points, four rebounds, a steal, and a block before being sent to the locker room. Rondo posted substantially better numbers in his time on the floor coming only three rebounds shy of a triple-double with 13 points, 10 assists, and two steals.
On Monday, the Lakers will get back to work at home against the San Antonio Spurs. The team will likely hear from the league before that game as to the severity of the punishment for Rondo and Ingram.
Follow Us
Subscribe