History of NBA Conspiracy theories - 2002 Western Conference finals LA Lakers vs Sacramento Kings Game 6
Did the NBA really fixed Lakers-Kings Series back in 2002? The most notorious series of recent history is the 2002 Western Conference finals, when the two-time defending champion Los Angeles Lakers staved off elimination by defeating the Sacramento Kings. Tim Donaghy alleged that two referees (understood to be Dick Bavetta and Bob Delaney) fixed the series in particular game 6. Donaghy was convicted of betting on games as his tenure as a referee in the NBA so he may not seem a reliable source, but many considered him an insider with very reliable information. And he wasn’t the only one who found something amiss in Game 6. Announcer Bill Walton (throughout the game), prominent sportswriters, ripped the referees for poor calls favoring the Lakers. Many critics noted that the Lakers shot 27 free throws in the fourth quarter, and the Kings only nine. An NBA game could, of course, be fixed. That’s why the NBA maintains an extensive security department. Its concern is largely ...