Houston Rockets star James Harden has been fined $25,000 for his "public criticism of the officiating," the NBA announced on Saturday.

Harden commented on referee Scott Foster's performance after the Rockets' 111-106 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday, referring to him as "rude and arrogant." 

The reigning NBA MVP's criticism of the officials led to a fine from the league.

Harden extended his 30-point streak to 32 games in the contest. He finished with 30 points, five rebounds and six assists, but fouled out in the fourth quarter.

This marked the seventh time Harden has fouled out in his 10-year career. The last time he did not make it through regulation was against the Los Angeles Clippers in 2017. Foster was the lead official in that game.

The Rockets have now lost back-to-back games and rank fifth in the Western Conference. They will take on the Warriors without the injured Harden on Saturday.