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Come Fan with UsTuesday, August 11, 2026

Referees’ Lead Negotiator Backs Out of Talks

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This whole NBA referees mess isn’t getting any prettier at this point:

The lead negotiator for the locked-out NBA referees removed himself from the talks Monday in hopes of resolving a dispute that threatens to have replacements on the floor this week.

Lamell McMorris released a statement saying the negotiations with the NBA would be handled by general counsel Brian Lam and the executive board of the National Basketball Referees Association.

McMorris said his departure was “in the best interest of the NBA Referees and the league.” He did not comment beyond his statement.

Hmm. So McMorris is out. In his spot is Lam. So you could say that Lam is a “replacement” for McMorris. Oh, the irony …

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