Lakers' Walton says Rockets staffer shoved Ingram
The Los Angeles Lakers-Houston Rockets rivalry is heating up in a big way.
Saturday's game between the Rockets and Lakers at Staples Center was marred by an ugly fourth-quarter brawl that saw punches thrown and three players ejected. Lakers forward Brandon Ingram was one of the three that got tossed after he entered the fray late and landed a punch.
It's possible that Ingram was angry over an incident that occurred earlier. After the contest had ended, Lakers coach Luke Walton told reporters that a unidentified Rockets staff member shoved Ingram during the game.
"One of their employees is on the floor and he grabs Brandon by the jersey, shoves him," Walton said, according to Sports Illustrated's Ben Golliver. "... Don't touch my damn players. I'm sure we can find a couple of people in L.A. who want that job (shoving people for us)."
It's not clear when the alleged incident involving the Rockets staffer took place.
Ingram had scored 12 points at the time of his ejection.
The Rockets won the game 125-115. Their next meeting with the Lakers will take place on Dec. 13 in Houston.