Los Angeles Lakers point guard Marcus Smart was fined $35,000 (around 194,000 reais at current prices) for making an obscene gesture towards a referee, the NBA announced on Saturday. Smart gave the referees the finger during halftime of the Lakers’ 143-135 victory over the Utah Jazz on Thursday in Salt Lake City.
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He received a technical foul during the match for arguing with the referees, amid growing frustration before the Los Angeles team ultimately secured victory. Smart, 31, was one of three Lakers players penalized during the game.
The former Best Defender of the Year has already been sanctioned several times for insubordination.
He was fined US$25,000 (R$138,500) for insulting a fan in 2017, an additional US$15,000 (R$83,000) for criticizing referees in 2020, and an additional US$35,000 (R$194,000) for using inappropriate language with referees in 2023, between other incidents. The amounts amount to R$609.5 thousand, taking into account the recent fine.
The veteran American point guard joined the Lakers this season, signing a two-year contract as a free agent after a brief stint with the Washington Wizards.
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