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Luke Kennard #10 of the Los Angeles Lakers has helped the team survive the loss of stars Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

The Los Angeles Lakers’ Game 4 battle against the Houston Rockets included a rare occurrence for the veteran sharpshooter, Luke Kennard.

On the day after the game, the NBA announced that Kennard would be among two Lakers fined.

According to the April 27 statement, Kennard was hit with a $25,000 fine from the league. Marcus Smart was the other Lakers player mentioned and punished.

The NBA’s Official Statement for Luke Kennard

GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 18: Deandre Ayton #5 and Luke Kennard #10 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after making a three point shot during the second half of Game One of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs against the Houston Rocketsat Crypto.com Arena on April 18, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

“Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart has been fined $35,000 for questioning the integrity of game officials and Lakers guard Luke Kennard has been fined $25,000 for directing inappropriate language toward game officials, it was announced today by James Jones, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations.

The incidents occurred following the conclusion of the Houston Rockets’ 115-96 victory over the Lakers in Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on April 26 at Toyota Center.”

Has Luke Kennard Ever Been Fined?

GettyLOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 7, 2026: Los Angeles Lakers guard Luke Kennard (10) reacts after scoring on a three point shot, his first points in a Lakers uniform against the Golden State Warriors in the first half at Crypto.com Arena on February 7, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Lakers fans are still getting to know Kennard, who joined the team ahead of the 2026 NBA trade deadline.

Since landing with the Lakers, Kennard had not been hit with any notable fines. He picked up one tech with the Lakers before the playoffs approached.

When it comes to fines and punishments handed down by the league, Kennard has an excellent track record. His recent fine is the first major fine of his career.

Kennard, 29, entered the NBA in 2017 as a 12th overall pick out of Duke. He was drafted by the Detroit Pistons.

After spending the first three seasons of his career with the Pistons, Kennard ended up on the Los Angeles Clippers in 2020. He was included in a three-team trade during the offseason.

A few years into his run with the Clippers, Kennard was sent to the Memphis Grizzlies ahead of the 2023 NBA trade deadline. Over the summer of 2025, Kennard hit the free agency market. He signed a one-year deal, which was worth $11 million, with the Atlanta Hawks.

The Lakers picked up Kennard ahead of the 2026 trade deadline in exchange for Gabe Vincent and a second-round pick.

During the regular season, Kennard appeared in 32 games for the Lakers. All but six of his appearances came off the bench. The veteran guard averaged 9.0 points while shooting 44.8% from three.

Throughout four playoff games with the Lakers, Kennard has averaged 17.8 points, hitting on 45.0% of his shots from three.

On Wednesday, Kennard and the Lakers are looking to bounce back and take down the Rockets in Game 5. With a win, the Lakers would move on to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in round two. A loss would force a Game 6, which would take place on Friday, April 30.