The NBA has fined Houston Rockets star shooting guard James Harden $25,000 for public criticism of an official.

After the Rockets lost to the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday, Harden ripped referee Scott Foster, saying he should not be allowed to officiate any more of their games.

“Scott Foster, man. I never really talk about officiating or anything like that, but just rude and arrogant,” Harden said on Thursday, via ESPN. “I mean, you aren't able to talk to him throughout the course of the game, and it's like, how do you build that relationship with officials? And it's not even that call [on the sixth foul]. It's just who he is on that floor.

“It's pretty frustrating. And I'm probably going to get hit [with a fine], but honestly, I don't really say anything. I'm a pretty quiet guy, to myself, but it's one of those things where you can't voice your opinion. You can't have a conversation with someone that's officiating the game. You're getting a tech. It's pretty sad.

“I don't think he should be able to even officiate our games anymore, honestly.”

Pretty strong comments from James Harden, who rarely goes off on referees since he's usually the beneficiary of calls during games.

The reigning MVP's prediction was right, though, as Harden ended up getting fined.