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[Saba Sports News] D’Angelo Russell, guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, has been fined by the NBA, impacting his earnings. The league announced on Monday that Russell will be fined $15,000 for kicking a basketball into the stands during a recent game, as reported by Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times. The incident occurred at the conclusion of the Lakers’ thrilling 145-144 double-overtime win against the Golden State Warriors on Saturday.
As the game’s final seconds ticked down, with the Lakers securing their win, Warriors star Stephen Curry attempted a last-ditch long-range shot, which fell short. Russell, who was on the bench at the time, reacted by kicking the ball away as it approached him. This action seemed partly instinctive and partly celebratory.
However, the NBA has a strict policy against such actions to ensure fan safety, leading to Russell’s fine. This isn’t the first time the league has imposed penalties for similar incidents.
Despite the fine, Russell played a key role in the Lakers’ victory, scoring 28 points and sinking a crucial three-pointer with just 53 seconds left in the second overtime, shifting the game’s momentum. Alongside this fine, Russell also faces ongoing trade speculation.