Opening night at the Staples Center has been marred by a brawl that broke out with only four minutes remaining in the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets.
It was Lakers signing Lebron James’ first home game for his new outfit and it had been an entertaining contest to watch with only one point separating both teams deep into the fourth quarter.
James Harden was fouled on the way to the rim and then all hell broke loose. Brandon Ingram pushed Harden after the referee blew his whistle and players from both teams congregated at the top of the key. From there a heated discussion broke out between Rajon Rondo and Chris Paul, with Paul appearing to place a pointed hand in Rondo’s face. Rondo took a strong disliking to Paul’s actions and launched with a left to the Rockets Point Guard, Paul replied with a right and then Ingram flew in with a haymaker.
Coaches and players from both benches spilled onto the court, some trying to break up the fight, some attempting to add fuel to the fire. Eventually James, a close friend of Paul’s managed to remove him from the melee and things began to simmer, with some 10 minutes elapsing before play resumed.
Referees gathered around the replay television reviewing what occurred and then ejected Rondo and Paul, while Ingram received a personal foul, plus two tech fouls which saw him also dismissed from the game.
NBA executive vice president Kiki VandeWeghe was courtside at the Staples Center and has already launched an investigation into the incident with suspensions expected to be handed out.
The game ended 124-115 in favour of the Houston Rockets. James Harden finished the game with 36 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists for the Rockets, while Lebron James had 24 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists in his opening game in LA.
