During Tuesday night’s game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Toronto Raptors, things got a little heated. Dennis Schroder fouled OG Anunoby hard, but fair, on a fast break. OG didn’t take kindly to the play and lifted Schroder up off the floor leading to both teams running to the scuffle. Including a couple of players off the bench.
One player that came to Schroder’s side was Montrezl Harrell. The big man is known for his intensity on the offensive end, power dunks, and for being a high-energy player. After some pushing and shoving, Harrell and Anunoby would be ejected from the game.
The Lakers and Raptors had to be separated after a physical play between Dennis Schröder and OG Anunoby.
Anunoby and Montrezl Harrell were ejected from the game. pic.twitter.com/hBNxjGyWWv
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 7, 2021
In the fallout of the altercation, Fred VanVleet, DeAndre’ Bembry, and Talen Horton-Tucker would all receive suspensions. Harrell was tagged with a $20,000 fine, but no suspension. For Schroder, that wasn’t going to fly, he offered to pay the fine for his teammate. Upon finding out about the fine from reporters he had this to say on Thursday:
“Oh, yeah we’re going to take care of that. He had my back, so we’re going to take care of that for sure.”
For Lakers fans, that has to be reassuring of the team’s chemistry. Both of these players are new to the Lakers roster this season, and this speaks volumes. Big men have always taken care of their guards and vice versa. Like an offensive lineman to a quarterback. These gestures happen often but it’s nice to see them happen with your team if you wear purple and gold.
With Andre Drummond getting his footing with the team, and their stars resting up to get healthy, the Lakers have a little to go before they’re 100%. It has to be comforting sitting 5th in the west just a few games out from 3rd place, Clippers. LeBron James won’t care what seed his team is, his eyes are on winning a title and remaining healthy.
