“Have Some Respect”: Ron Harper Fires Back at Critic Who Called Out Female Referee in Luka Doncic Fan Ejection

Former NBA champion Ron Harper defended referee Chelisa Painter on social media after critics questioned the ejection of a courtside fan. The incident took place during the Los Angeles Lakers' 116–103 victory over the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center, when a spectator chest-passed a ball forcefully toward Painter while her back was turned.

Luka Doncic confronted the spectator before security ejected the fan from the arena. In response to commentator Jon Root's claims that Painter overreacted, Harper posted on X that fans need to show respect, emphasizing that Painter's back was turned when the ball was thrown.