Latest News: Lakers Star Ejected in Heated NBA Cup Thriller Against Warriors
Latest News: What Happened in the Final Minutes
LOS ANGELES – In a rivalry-fueled NBA Cup showdown that lived up to every ounce of its West Group A billing, the Los Angeles Lakers edged out the Golden State Warriors 118-112 on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena. The real drama, however, exploded with under two minutes remaining when Lakers forward Rui Hachimura was ejected after a heated scuffle.
Latest News: How the Altercation Unfolded
The incident began when Draymond Green threw an elbow into Hachimura's ribs during a box-out. Frustrated after battling Green's physical play all night, Hachimura responded with a shove that sent Green stumbling into Anthony Davis. Stephen Curry rushed over, leading to a brief stare-down before referees stepped in.
Hachimura received two quick technical fouls and was ejected with 1:45 left. Green escaped with only one technical. The Warriors converted the free throws and regained possession, cutting the lead to just one point.
Latest News: Postgame Reaction & Quotes
"We don't back down from anybody," Hachimura said after the game. "Draymond's a vet, he knows how to push buttons. But that's on me – I let it get to me. Won't happen again."
Latest News: Game Impact and Standings
Despite the ejection, the Lakers held on for the 118-112 victory, improving to 4-2 in group play and putting them one win away from clinching the top spot in West Group A and advancing to the NBA Cup knockout rounds.
Golden State falls to 2-4 and is officially eliminated from knockout-round contention.
Next up for the Lakers: a road game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, where Hachimura could face a one-game suspension pending league review.
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