Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart has been fined $35,000 for making an obscene gesture toward a game official at halftime of his team’s 143-135 victory over the Utah Jazz on Thursday in Salt Lake City, the NBA announced Saturday.
With the Lakers losing 78-73 at the end of the second period, Smart had an exchange with a referee as he left the court, and the 31-year-old guard then displayed his middle finger to the official.
Smart was called for a technical foul — his third of the season — and the Jazz started the second half by shooting the technical free throw before play started.
Smart, a 12-year veteran, has averaged 10.6 points and 2.9 assists in 17 games (11 starts) this season. Smart collected 17 points and four rebounds in 28 minutes against the Jazz on Thursday.
The Lakers will play the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday night.
