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NBA Fines Lakers’ Marcus Smart $35,000 for Obscene Gesture at Official

The penalty stops at a fine, signaling the league’s stance on on-court conduct.

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - DECEMBER 18: Svi Mykhailiuk #10 of the Utah Jazz drives into Marcus Smart #36 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of a game at Delta Center on December 18, 2025 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
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Dec 18, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart (36) warms up before a game against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images

Overview

  • The league said the gesture occurred at halftime of the Lakers’ 143–135 win over the Utah Jazz on Dec. 18 at the Delta Center.
  • Smart received a technical foul for the incident, and Utah opened the third quarter with the resulting free throw.
  • The fine was announced Saturday by James Jones, the NBA’s executive vice president and head of basketball operations.
  • Despite the incident, Smart finished the game with 17 points, including nine in the fourth quarter to help secure the win.
  • Smart has prior discipline on his record, including a $25,000 fine in 2017 and $35,000 fines in 2020 and 2023 for conduct toward officials.