Houston Rockets' Ime Udoka Ejected After Confrontation with Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James
Ime Udoka received his first ejection as coach of the Houston Rockets during Saturday's 107-97 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers inside the Crypto.com Arena.
The ejection took place with 8:35 left in the fourth quarter. With the Rockets trailing the Lakers 93-78, Udoka got into a minor dispute with LeBron James. The quarrel led to double technical fouls for the two respective parties, which resulted in Udoka's second of the night. His first technical foul came with 2:51 in the second quarter.
"We had some conversations and they [the referees] did not like what they heard," Udoka said. "It was between me and the player."
Rockets head coach Ime Udoka watches game action against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at Crypto.com Arena
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
The incident between Udoka and James was one of a handful of conflicts. Before Udoka and James shared an unpleasant conversation, Tari Eason and Lakers' forward Cam Reddish got into a dispute.
Eason was preparing to attempt two free throws when Reddish purposely walked into his chest. The second-year forward felt disrespected by Reddish's actions.
"He had the whole court," Eason said. "He walked into me and said something. I did not like it and wanted him to stand on it."
The Rockets dropped their eighth consecutive road game and are the only team in the league without a victory away from home.
After missing the previous game, Fred VanVleet led the way with 22 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Alperen Şengün added 21 points, 14 rebounds and five assists in the loss.
Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 27 points, 14 rebounds and three assists. James added 16 points, seven assists and four rebounds in the win.
