William Rondo, the brother of Los Angeles Lakers guard Rajon Rondo, was ejected from Saturday night’s game against the Houston Rockets after trash-talking with Rockets guard Russell Westbrook.
In the fourth quarter, Westbrook turned to William Rondo, who was seated in the Lakers’ family section, and asked, “Are you talking to me?” William Rondo responded and then used a hand motion indicating Westbrook was talking too much.
Shortly after, Rockets security and NBA security walked a calm William Rondo out of the arena as Westbrook looked on.
The NBA has warned guests not to be verbally aggressive at the games or to enter the floor.
William Rondo has been in the bubble since the early stages; he is in charge of the barbers, manicurists and hair braiders working in the bubble through his company.
Saturday’s incident wasn’t the first time Westbrook has had a run-in with fans.
During a playoff game against the Utah Jazz in April 2018, Westbrook, then with the Oklahoma City Thunder, slapped at a fan’s cellphone as he walked to the tunnel immediately after the game ended. That same night, Westbrook turned and snapped at a fan who said something to him as he exited the floor at halftime.
In an October 2016 game in Philadelphia, a 76ers fan was escorted out of Wells Fargo Center after flashing double middle fingers at Westbrook following an and-1.
