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Report: Rondo denies spitting at Paul, prompting brawl

Harry How / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Los Angeles Lakers point guard Rajon Rondo is "adamant" he did not spit at Chris Paul, prompting Saturday night's Rockets-Lakers brawl, sources told The Athletic's Shams Charania.

The Lakers spoke with Rondo after the game, according to Charania, and examined videotape of the incident. They reportedly saw no evidence of spitting.

However, a video circulated later Sunday does appear to show Rondo spitting in Paul's direction. According to ESPN's Rachel Nichols, the Rockets sent the league office this video to make their case.

Sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski that the video puts Rondo in the position of having to make a case to league officials that the spitting was unintentional.

Paul said after the game that Rondo did spit at him, while Rockets teammate James Harden only offered afterward "that's what was said."

Related: Paul reportedly 'disappointed' by Ingram's punch during brawl

"As a man, the only thing you can do and react is stand up for yourself," Harden said, according to Slam.

Suspensions over the incident should come as early as Sunday afternoon, with the Rockets scheduled to play the Clippers at night.

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