Former NBA player Ron Harper has responded to criticism directed at a female referee following a fan ejection during a Los Angeles Lakers preseason game against the Sacramento Kings on October 8, 2026.
The incident occurred at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, where the Lakers defeated the Kings 114-110. During the game, a fan was ejected after an interaction involving Lakers star Luka Doncic. A critic subsequently questioned the female referee's handling of the situation.
Harper, a five-time NBA champion, fired back at the critic with a message urging respect for the official. His defense highlighted the importance of treating all referees professionally regardless of gender.
The preseason matchup marked Doncic's appearance in a Lakers uniform as the team opened its 2026-27 campaign.
