D’Angelo Russell, the Lakers guard, has been fined $15,000 for kicking the ball into the stands following the team’s double-overtime victory against the Warriors. The NBA’s executive VP, Joe Dumars, announced the penalty on Monday.
Key Takeaway
D’Angelo Russell has been fined
5,000 for kicking the ball into the stands after the Lakers’ double-overtime win against the Warriors, a celebratory act that incurred a financial penalty from the NBA.
Russell’s Costly Celebration
After the final buzzer of the second extra period, Stephen Curry attempted a long-range shot in a last-ditch effort to win the game. Russell, in his excitement to celebrate the 145-144 win, ran onto the court and kicked the ball into the first few rows of the arena. Despite the act appearing to be in good spirits, the league deemed it a finable offense.
The Financial Impact
While the $15k fine may seem substantial, it is relatively minor for Russell, considering his career earnings of over $155 million, with $17 million earned in the current season alone.
