NBA Suspends Paul, Rondo, Ingram For Lakers-Rockets Fight

by
Former Writers
October 22, 2018

Donq question via Flickr

Los Angeles Lakers Brandon Ingram, Rajon Rondo and Houston Rockets guard Chris PStart slideshowaul were all suspended by the NBA. The suspension will be without pay for their roles in the fourth-quarter brawl on Saturday night in Los Angeles.

Suspensions:

Four games for Ingram
Three games for Rondo
Two games for Paul

Here are the financial implications from the altercation between Houston and the Lakers: Brandon Ingram will be fined $158,816 for the four games suspended. Rajon Rondo will be fined $186,207 for three games suspended. Chris Paul will be fined $491,782… https://t.co/GjEm6F8yPO

— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) October 21, 2018

Investigations Under Way

Paul poked a finger into Rondo’s face which led to a punch. Ingram sprinted from half court once he saw the altercation begin. Ingram then threw a punch of his own in the direction of Paul and PJ Tucker but it did not connect cleanly.

Paul uttered he only threw a punch after Rondo supposedly spit in his face. Rondo tried to make the case that he didn’t spit on Paul. He claimed he was provoked into throwing a punch after Paul poked a finger into his face and left a scratch under his right eye, league sources said. Rondo also pointed to the fact he was wearing a mouth-guard, which would impact his ability to intentionally spit on someone.

NBA vice president of basketball operations, Kiki VanDeWeghe, was in attendance at the Staples Center Saturday night. VanDeWeghe help lead the NBA’s probe into the incident while also helping interview participants and witnesses on Sunday in Los Angeles, league sources said.

Laker Replacements

With Rondo out, this could help Lonzo Ball find his way back into the starting lineup. In order for this to take place, Ball’s restricted minutes would have to be lifted. Walton said he would meet with training staff members on Sunday about a possible increase in minutes.

After Ball’s off-season surgery, the Lakers have been easing the point guard back into action. Ball played 26 minutes Saturday night. He finished with 14 points, six rebounds and four assists against the Rockets. Kyle Kuzma is the likely starter in place of Ingram.