Alperen Sengun said on April 27 that he did not believe Deandre Ayton should have been ejected from Game 4 between the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets. The decision came after officials reviewed a play in which Ayton’s elbow struck Sengun in the head, resulting in a Flagrant 2 foul and an automatic ejection for the Lakers center.
The incident is significant because Ayton’s defense has played a key role for the Lakers, helping them take a 3-0 lead in their playoff series against Houston. His absence could impact the dynamic of future games as both teams continue to compete for advancement.
Sengun addressed the situation after the game, saying, “I don’t want to make the officials crazy, but I mean, I didn’t expect them to eject him to be honest. I think it was a little bit soft. … I guess it is what it is, they called it. I’m glad they called it. So, we go from there.”
Ayton also described his perspective following his ejection, stating that he was trying to brace for contact and that his elbow slipped higher due to both players being sweaty. Initial contact began at Sengun’s shoulder before moving upward.
Tensions between both teams remain high as they prepare for Game 5 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The Rockets avoided elimination with their recent win and will face increased intensity when play resumes Wednesday night.
In another incident late in Game 4, rookie Adou Thiero of the Lakers and Aaron Holiday of the Rockets were both ejected following an altercation during a rebound attempt. Luka Doncic said he would pay any fine Thiero might receive as a result.