The NBA is a hyper-competitive league and the ruthless competition is at its absolute peak in the playoffs and the finals. The brutal faceoff between the two sides is what makes the NBA the best basketball league in the world. Recently, a clip circulating on social media shared by Shaquille O’Neal touched on the subject of unfair refereeing in playoff games. According to the clip, there might have been unfair refereeing in the legendary Lakers-Sacramento finals in 2002.

The Lakers-Sacramento was hands down one of the most entertaining finals of all time. The Lakers edged out Sacramento to complete the three-peat in 2002. But a clip has emerged that might question the validity of Shaq and Kone’s third ring.

Shaquille O’Neal puts forward a controversial theory

Kobe and Shaq are often regarded as the greatest duo in basketball history. They won three titles together at the Lakers. A viral clip now shows a former NBA referee, Tim Donaghy, explaining why there might have been some unfair refereeing in the 2002 Finals series.

In the video shared by Shaq, Donaghy said, “When you talk about Dick Bavetta in the 2002. I don’t know if you remember the famous Lakers-Sacramento Game Six. He openly said to a lot of us that he was the NBA’s go-to guy. He was put on game 6’s to make sure they went to a game seven. Ad that was one of the most f—ed games in the history of the NBA. And when you talk three referees making so many mistakes in a conference finals games”

He said that former referee Dick Bavetta has proclaimed proudly that he’s the main man the NBA chooses to extend the series between the two teams. Donaghy said there might have been some financial motivations as referees were making around $20,000 for every appearance in the NBA Finals.

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The Los Angeles Lakers vs The Sacramento Kings

The 2002 NBA Finals between Los Angeles and Sacramento was one of the most exciting playoff series in NBA history. Shaquille O’Neal rightfully won the finals MVP after dunking on his opponents throughout the course of seven games. Shaq ended the series with over 36 points per game to his name and more than 12 rebounds.

It’ll be interesting to see if the current Lakers and Kings can rejuvenate their rivalry in a spectacular fashion.

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