Lakers’ Deandre Ayton makes intriguing admission on flagrant foul that led to Game 4 ejection

Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton was ejected in Sunday night’s 115-96 Game 4 loss against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center.

The incident occurred with 5:41 remaining in the third quarter, when Ayton, defending Alperen Sengun as he drove toward the basket, struck him in the head with his elbow and forearm. The foul was initially called as a common foul, but after video review it was upgraded to a Flagrant 2, described by officials as “unnecessary and excessive,” leading to Ayton’s automatic ejection

Ayton addressed the play afterward, insisting it was not intentional and describing the moment as accidental contact while bracing for impact.

“I was really just trying to brace the contact of Sengun and we’re both sweaty guys,” said Ayton. “I just slipped off his shoulder and it literally my elbow hit him right there above his shoulders.”

While admitting that replay footage might have made the incident appear more severe, Ayton maintained the action was purely accidental and inconsistent with his usual approach on the floor.

“It looked crazy on camera, but I’m not no guy who’s a dirty player or plays like that,” he further said. “If anything of me trying to play dirty, I damn near hurt myself. I just hope he’s alright, and don’t think it was intentional. I was just playing hard…the outcome of what the results were, I accept it. Definitely wasn’t intentional. It is my first ejection. 8 years later and it’s my first one.”

At the time of the incident, Los Angeles trailed 76-57, and Ayton had produced 19 points and 10 rebounds on 9-of-12 shooting in 25 minutes, leading the Lakers offensively.

The Rockets avoided elimination with the win, cutting the series deficit to 3-1. Game 5 is scheduled for Wednesday night in Los Angeles.

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