Lakers’ D’Angelo Russell fined $15K for kicking game ball

LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers is congratulated by D’Angelo Russell #1 after he made a basket in double time beyond regulation against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on January 27, 2024 in San Francisco, California. The Lakers won 145-144. Ezra Shaw/Getty Images/AFP

NEW YORK — Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell has been fined $15,000 for kicking the ball into the stands following a victory against Golden State, NBA executive vp Joe Dumars said Monday.

Russell booted a desperate heave by Steph Curry that got here up well short after LeBron James’ two free throws with 1.2 seconds left capped a frantic finish to the second time beyond regulation in a 145-144 Lakers victory at Chase Center on Saturday. Curry’s 3-pointer with 4.7 seconds left had put Golden State ahead.

James and Curry each had big games with James ending with 36 points, a career-high 20 rebounds and 12 assists and Curry scoring 46 points and hitting a season-high nine 3s.

Russell, who’s scored 20 or more points the past seven games, added 28 points on 5-of-8 shooting from long distance for the Lakers. He followed it up with 23 points in a 135-119 loss to the Houston Rockets.