Overview
- James Jones, the NBA’s head of basketball operations, announced the fine in a league statement on Saturday.
- Officials assessed Smart a technical foul at halftime of the 143-135 victory over the Jazz, and Utah opened the second half with the technical free throw.
- Multiple outlets reported Smart raised his middle finger during a brief exchange with a referee as he walked off the court.
- Smart still contributed 17 points, including nine in the fourth quarter, as the Lakers closed out the win in Salt Lake City.
- He later addressed the sanction after the Clippers game, calling for more consistency from officiating and saying sometimes you take a hit to get a point across.