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Los Angeles Lakers head coach Luke Walton has come to the defense of veteran point guard Rajon Rondo, saying that the 32-year-old didn't spit on Chris Paul as what the Houston Rockets' All-Star guard claims.
Rondo and Paul had a heated altercation late in the fourth quarter of the Lakers-Rockets match at Staples Center. Initial videos of the incident showed Paul poking Rondo's eyes which led to the brawl. However, the nine-time NBA All-Star later said that it all started because Rondo spat on his face.
Rondo has since denied the accusation, though new video evidence suggests that the former Boston Celtics star might have spat on Paul (unintentionally or not).
Walton, nonetheless, doesn't believe his player did that and doubled down on his defense of Rondo, per Dave McMenamin of ESPN.
Despite video evidence suggesting the contrary, Lakers coach Luke Walton said after practice Sunday that he does not think Rajon Rondo spat on Chris Paul's face in Saturday's game.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) October 21, 2018
It's not surprising to see Walton defend his player. That's what coaches do, especially in situations like this. However, Walton may have to rethink his stand as the league office had already decided on the penalties after what transpired in Los Angeles.
Rondo might have not really spat on Paul, or he may have done it unintentionally, but it doesn't change the fact that punches were thrown and that's just unacceptable.
