James Harden Fined $25K for Calling Scott Foster 'Rude and Arrogant' After Loss

Houston Rockets superstar guard James Harden received a $25,000 fine from the NBA on Saturday for his comments about referee Scott Foster following Thursday's 111-106 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Shams Charania of Stadium and The Athletic reported the update after Harden, who fouled out of the contest, said there was a "personal" problem with Foster during his postgame remarks.

"Scott Foster, man. I never really talk about officiating or anything like that, but just rude and arrogant," he told reporters. "I mean, you aren't able to talk to him throughout the course of the game, and it's like, how do you build that relationship with officials? And it's not even that call [on the sixth foul]. It's just who he is on that floor."

Harden understood he was "probably going to get hit [with a fine]" for his comments, but he went on to say he would feel more comfortable if Foster wasn't assigned to Rockets games.

"It's lingering, and it's something that has to be looked at for sure," he said. "For sure, it's personal. For sure. I don't think he should be able to even officiate our games anymore, honestly."

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets - Game Highlights

Harden finished the contest with 30 points, six rebounds and six assists. He made just two of his 10 shots from three-point range, turned the ball over eight times and was called for the six fouls.

Teammate Chris Paul, who called out Foster following a January 2018 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, said he wasn't sure what type of resolution could be possible.

"I met with the league with him," he told reporters Thursday. "I don't know what else to do."

Paul also fouled out in the Rockets' loss to the Lakers.

Foster has served as an NBA official since the 1994-95 season and has 1,543 games of regular-season experience, per Basketball Reference. He's also called 177 playoff games.

Harden, Paul and the Rockets return to action Saturday night with another high-profile game as they take on the Golden State Warriors. 

Officials David Guthrie, Nick Buchert and Ben Taylor were assigned to the contest. Foster is working the clash between the Dallas Mavericks and Utah Jazz on Saturday.