The Los Angeles Lakers missed a chance to close out their first-round series against the Houston Rockets, falling 115-96 in Game 4 on Sunday night. The loss cut the Lakers’ series lead to 3-1 and extended the matchup to at least a fifth game.
The game turned decisively in the third quarter when Lakers center Deandre Ayton was ejected after a flagrant 2 foul against Houston’s Alperen Sengun. At the time, Ayton had been one of the Lakers’ most productive players, finishing with 19 points and 10 rebounds before his exit. His removal came as Houston seized control, outscoring Los Angeles 34-18 in the third quarter.
Head coach JJ Redick addressed the incident after the game, questioning the decision and offering his view of the play. His comments became the central focus following a loss that also highlighted the Lakers’ struggles without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
JJ Redick Responds To Deandre Ayton and Adou Thiero Ejection
GettyLos Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton
Redick said he did not believe Ayton’s actions were intentional and suggested the ruling may have been too severe.
“On the DA thing, I mean, DA’s, like, he’s got such a sweet, just, like, kind soul,” Redick said. “And, no, that wasn’t dirty or intentional.”
Ayton was called for a flagrant 2 foul after his elbow made contact with Sengun’s head while attempting to defend a drive. Officials reviewed the play and determined the contact was “unnecessary and excessive,” leading to his ejection.
Redick described the sequence as incidental. “It looked, you know, from our vantage point, like, he was trying to brace himself with that off arm,” he said. “I think it was his left arm, but trying to brace himself against Sengun’s body.”
He added, “It looked like his arm just kind of slipped and, you know, obviously hit him in the head. But I don’t know that if two was warranted, I don’t think DA would ever do anything malicious.”
“I didn’t get a great explanation on Adou. I’m sure James will give you that. DA he’s got such a sweet, kind soul. That wasn’t dirty or intentional. He was trying to brace himself with that off arm against Sengun’s body and it looked like
Redick also referenced a separate late-game incident involving Adou Thiero and Aaron Holiday, both of whom were ejected after a brief scuffle. “I didn’t get a great explanation on Adieu. I’m sure James will give you that,” Redick said. “I’ll re-watch the clip and try to figure it out.”
The ejection of Ayton marked the first of his career and removed a key interior presence for Los Angeles at a critical moment in the game.
Houston Rockets Capitalize As Los Angeles Lakers Struggle Without Key Players
GettyHead coach JJ Redick of the Los Angeles Lakers speaks with the team in the huddle
Houston took control following Ayton’s exit, building a 25-point lead entering the fourth quarter. The Rockets were led by Amen Thompson, who scored 23 points on 10-of-16 shooting and added seven assists. Tari Eason contributed 20 points and eight rebounds, while Sengun finished with 19 points.
The Rockets played without Kevin Durant, who was ruled out with a bone bruise in his left ankle. Despite that absence, Houston controlled the pace and capitalized on the Lakers’ turnovers and shooting struggles.
Los Angeles committed 23 turnovers and made just five three-pointers, their lowest total in a game this season. LeBron James finished with 10 points and nine assists but also had eight turnovers. Rui Hachimura added 13 points alongside Ayton’s 19.
The Lakers were also without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, both sidelined by injuries. Their absence has forced adjustments throughout the series, though Los Angeles still leads 3-1.
Houston’s win ensures the series will continue with Game 5, as the Rockets attempt to build momentum after avoiding a sweep. While teams trailing 3-0 have historically not completed a comeback, the result keeps their postseason hopes alive.
For the Lakers, the focus shifts to closing out the series in the next game. The Game 4 loss, combined with Ayton’s ejection and ongoing injuries, highlighted areas that will need improvement moving forward.
JJ Redick Sends Strong Message After Deandre Ayton’s Controversial Ejection in Lakers’ Game 4 Loss