Lakers' Guard Ronnie Price Suspended

Point guard Ronnie Price will serve a one game suspension when the Los Angeles Lakers take on the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night at Staples Center.

The NBA suspended Los Angeles Lakers' guard Ronnie Price one game for violent conduct after he hit Austin Rivers of the New Orleans Pelicans from behind during Wednesday night's loss in New Orleans.

Price offered his hand to Rivers after the play, but the Pelicans' guard refused. Subsequently, the officials reviewed the play and deemed it worthy of a flagrant-two, which meant Price was ejected from the game. In the moment, the officials' call appeared slightly harsh, but the current temperature of head injuries made the decision understandable. Price had fouled Rivers mid-flight and struck the back of the air born player's head.

A day later, news that Price was suspended for a game came as a far greater shock.

Clippers coach Glenn "Doc" Rivers, who is the fouled player's father, was asked about the incident and responded, "I was surprised it was a [flagrant] 2, but that’s the day we’re in."

With Price out of Friday's game against the San Antonio Spurs, the Lakers will likely expect Jeremy Lin and Kobe Bryant to play heavier minutes. Also, rookie Jordan Clarkson may earn a longer look, as the Lakers are already short at the guard position with Wayne Ellington on an indefinite leave for family reasons, Nick Young still recovering from a thumb injury and Steve Nash ruled out for the season with a back injury.

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