NEW YORK _ Los Angeles Lakers coach Luke Walton was fined $15,000 by the NBA for "verbally abusing a game official and not leaving the court in a timely manner after his ejection," the league said.
Walton was ejected from Monday night's game against the Sacramento Kings with 4:14 left in the first quarter.
"I just felt like I needed to stand up for my guys," Walton said after the game. "What happened on the floor wasn't right. My only concern is our guys in the locker room and our team. If I feel like something's not right, I'm going to stand up for our guys."
Kings big man DeMarcus Cousins grabbed Lakers forward Julius Randle by the arms and tussled with him, which resulted in Randle being tossed to the ground, followed by Cousins. The play did not result in a foul, which infuriated Walton. Walton ran to mid-court to argue his case and shouted expletives at the official while Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson tried to hold him back.
Walton tore off his suit jacket as he left the court after his ejection.
Walton's technicals were two of seven individual technical fouls called during the game, and two of six called on the Lakers alone.
