Lakers’ LeBron James goes off on ‘uncalled for’ move late in Game 4 loss to Rockets

LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers will have to wait a few more days before eliminating the Houston Rockets after they lost in Game 4, 115-96, of their first-round series in the playoffs at Toyota Center on Sunday.

The Lakers still hold a comfortable lead, 3-1. History is on the side of the Purple and Gold, as no team has blown a series after a 3-0 start.

History, however, repeated itself, as LeBron James was limited to only 10 points on 2-of-9 field goals in Game 4.

He did not offer excuses for the defeat, although he lamented the ejection of Adou Thiero in the final minute of the contest after getting tangled up with Aaron Holiday.

“I’m more pissed off about them kicking Adou out. That was uncalled for, and it made no sense. To think that’s his first time he’s ever been thrown out of a game in his life. I don’t think that was warranted. Give him two technicals, the kid just got in the game, that was ridiculous,” said James.

LeBron James on Adou Thiero's ejection

"I'm more pissed off about them kicking Adou out. That was uncalled for, and it made no sense. Think that's his first time he's ever been thrown out of a game in his life. I don't think that was warranted. Give him two technicals, the… https://t.co/rvI50MaJMi pic.twitter.com/5LsGQYfHkF

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 27, 2026

Holiday was also ejected.

Thiero, who was drafted by the Lakers as the 36th overall pick out of Arkansas, tallied three points and a turnover in six minutes in his debut in the playoffs.

The 21-year-old rookie was trying to position himself for a rebound when Holiday bumped him. Thiero did not retaliate, although he approached Holiday and said something.

Fans blasted the referees for tossing Thiero and Holiday at such an inconsequential point in the contest.

Deandre Ayton was also ejected in the third quarter after a hard foul on Alperen Sengun.

Thiero appeared in 25 games this season, averaging 1.9 points and 1.1 rebounds in 6.0 minutes.

Game 5 is at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday.

The post Lakers’ LeBron James goes off on ‘uncalled for’ move late in Game 4 loss to Rockets appeared first on ClutchPoints.