Lakers News: Luke Walton Fined $15,000 for Criticizing Officials

Los Angeles Lakers head coach Luke Walton was fined $15,000 on Wednesday for criticizing the NBA’s officials. The criticism came directly after the Lakers’ 143-142 loss to the San Antonio Spurs, making it their third consecutive loss to start the season.

The Spurs went to the free-throw line 38 times compared to the Lakers’ 26 attempts from the charity stripe, despite the Lakers repeatedly attacking the paint via Josh Hart and newly acquired LeBron James.

“I was going to save my money, but I just can’t anymore” Walton said before ripping the officiating.

He continued:

“Watch how Josh Hart plays this game. He played 40 minutes tonight. All he does is attack the rim. Zero free throws tonight. Zero. So to me, it doesn’t matter. I know they’re young, I get that. But if we are going to play a certain way, let’s not reward people for flopping 30 feet from the hole on plays that have nothing to do with that possession. They’re just flopping just to see if they get a foul call. And then not reward players that are physically going to the basket and getting hit. It’s not right.”

Walton certainly has a point in regards to Monday night’s loss to the Spurs. While players like LaMarcus Aldridge shot a whopping 18 free-throw attempts, but James and Hart combined for just 11, with Hart getting to the line 0 times.

Lakers center JaVale McGee seemed to agree with his head coach’s assessment, though he seemed a bit worried about getting fined.

“I don’t want to lose money,” he said. “Whatever [Walton] said, I cosign it. Does that mean I lose money? Hope not.”