LeBron James Calls Out NBA Officiating After Lakers Loss

The Los Angeles Lakers had an opportunity to close out their first-round series against the Houston Rockets on Sunday night, entering the game with a 3-0 lead.

However, the Rockets played with clear desperation and came away with a 115-96 victory, extending the series to a Game 5 in Los Angeles on Wednesday night.

During the game, the Lakers had two players ejected. Deandre Ayton was tossed in the second half after a foul on Alperen Şengün was upgraded to a Flagrant 2. Later, rookie Adou Thiero was also ejected after needing to be separated from Aaron Holiday with just over a minute remaining.

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Many questioned Ayton's ejection, but the call on Thiero drew even more scrutiny - especially from LeBron James, who had a strong reaction toward the officials during his postgame interview after the rookie was tossed shortly after entering his first playoff game.

"I'm more pissed off about them kicking Adou out," James said. "That was uncalled for and it made no sense. I think that's his first time he's ever been thrown out of a game in his life. I don't think that was warranted. Give him two technicals - the kid just got in the game - that was ridiculous."

According to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, Luka Doncic - who remains sidelined with a hamstring injury - said he would cover whatever fine the league issues Thiero for the ejection.

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This story was originally published April 27, 2026 at 10:25 AM.