Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton was ejected from Game 4 of the Western Conference quarterfinals series against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center after striking Houston All-Star center Alperen Şengün in the head with his left forearm.
Ayton committed the foul with 5:41 left to play in the third quarter with the Rockets leading 76-57. Şengün was able to make one of two free throws. Rockets star Kevin Durant, who was ruled out of Game 4 with a left ankle sprain, reacted to the Ayton’s ejection with a move of his own.
Kevin Durant waving bye to Deandre Ayton after he was ejected from the game. 👀
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— NBA on NBC and Peacock (@NBAonNBC) April 27, 2026
The ejection ended what was a strong individual game from Ayton, as he had team-highs of 19 points and 10 rebounds in 25 minutes. But the Lakers were outscored by 18 points in Ayton’s minutes while having a non-existent perimeter offense.
The Lakers entered Game 4 with a 3-0 series lead, but Game 5 will be Wednesday in Los Angeles if necessary.