THE STORY
In Game 6 of the 2002 NBA Western Conference Finals, the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Sacramento Kings 106-102 at the Staples Center, forcing a Game 7. The game featured controversial officiating, with the Lakers taking 27 free throws in the fourth quarter compared to the Kings' 9. Allegations of biased officiating arose, but investigations found no conclusive proof of intentional misconduct. The game remains highly debated in NBA history.
TEAMS / PEOPLE:
Sacramento Kings; Los Angeles Lakers
WHY IT MATTERS
The game is frequently cited as one of the NBA's most controversial playoff games, raising questions about officiating integrity and influencing discussions on game-fixing in professional sports.