[L.N. Smithee]

In the Lakers last game referee Ed Rush called a 5th foul on Shaq with 8+ minutes to go. Rush then headed over to the scorer's table and asked, "How many fouls is that on Shaq?"

I have heard many conspiracy theories regarding the league's curious assignment of referees in pivotal playoff games, but nothing like that. I'd appreciate the source of that story.

The games aren't fixed, but the refs are under orders to try and direct the outcome. Its a bogus, faux league.

More damning than the shenanigans with the refs is the way that after Shaq-less LA got off to a slothlike start in 2003, NBA commish Stern suddenly made an announcement that the first round of the playoffs would be seven games instead of five.

[Former Proud Canadian]

Source of the story? I heard an audio tape on the radio.

[diamond6]

More damning than the shenanigans with the refs is the way that after Shaq-less LA got off to a slothlike start in 2003, NBA commish Stern suddenly made an announcement that the first round of the playoffs would be seven games instead of five. Slothlike start. You mean 18-3? I recall also that the Lakers dispatched Houston 4-1. I guess another game wasn't needed.