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LOS ANGELES – All the pomp and circumstance surrounding LeBron James' debut with the Los Angeles Lakers was thwarted by a multiplayer bout that broke out in the fourth quarter of L.A.'s home opener against the Houston Rockets.
The game was interrupted for nearly 10 minutes while the referees tried to judge the situation that had started when Brandon Ingram pushed James Harden and exploded when Rajon Rondo was punched on the left side of Chris Paul after that the Rockets keeper had a finger in it.
James had to separate his good friend Paul from the rest of the Lakers while Paul was trying to reject the blow. Lance Stephenson played the peacemaker by hugging Ingram and keeping him away from the action.
After an official exam, Paul and Rondo were expelled, while Ingram received a personal foul, plus two technical fouls, resulting in his disqualification.
NBA Executive Vice President Kiki VanDeWeghe was at the Staples Center on Saturday and an investigation is underway on the fight, with potential suspensions starting on Sunday, said Adrian Wojnarowski of the National League, a source in the league .
While there was 4:13 left to play and the Rockets led 109-108, Ingram pushed Harden and then had to be separated from an official. Rondo and Paul were arguing face to face before Paul pointed and pushed Rondo in the face. Rondo responded by throwing and hitting two of the three punches on Paul. Paul fought back and Ingram came running and also punched Paul in the direction.
JaVale McGee was asked after the match if he had ever seen that side of Ingram, who is generally relaxed.
"No," said McGee. "If you sting the bear, you will be bitten."
Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN contributed to this report.
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