Brandon Ingram of the Los Angeles Lakers was suspended for four games after his involvement in the wrangling against the Houston Rockets. The forward had expected a longer lock and was now humble.
“The punishment is milder than I thought,” Ingram marveled after a training session of the Lakers. “I’m glad it’s only four games, but in the future I need to have my emotions better under control.” Ingram also took full responsibility. “I triggered all this, so it’s my fault, and I know it. It hurt the team.”
Team-mate Rajon Rondo, who was suspended for three games after his fight with Chris Paul, was less willing to provide information. “In my situation, it’s better not to talk,” the Point Guard explained. “The situation is the same now. I’m suspended for three games. I’m looking ahead and I want to help my team again this weekend.” Rondo also explained that he did not explicitly talk to the team about the incidents.
LeBron James also played an interesting role in the wrangling, not reassuring his team mate Rondo, but instead talking to his old friend Chris Paul. The King didn’t want anything to be interpreted into it. “I just wanted us to finally play basketball again. I wanted to break up the brawlers and help the referees.”
James also had time for fun when he was asked if the friendship with CP3 had helped to calm the situation. “No, not really. We’re not friends anymore,” laughed LeBron.
Ingram and Rondo missed the Lakers’ game against the Spurs on Tuesday night, which the Lakers lost 142-143 after extra time. L.A. is still waiting for its first win of the season. In the night on Sunday it goes for the team from Luke Walton to the Phoenix Suns.