Referee update

The NBA announced this afternoon that it will begin its referee training camp with replacements, which means there is a very good chance the Lakers' first exhibition game against the Golden State Warriors on Oct. 7 at the Honda Center in Anaheim will be staffed by fill-ins. It's certainly possible the regular season could start with replacement referees. The referees' union declined the league's final contract offer Thursday, setting the stage for today's announcement. The referees' contract with the league ran out Sept. 1. The Lakers open their training camp with media day Sept. 29. They start the regular season Oct. 27.