Bynum fined for criticizing refs

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ESPN.com wire services
NEW YORK -- Los Angeles Lakers center Andrew Bynum has been fined $25,000 for publicly criticizing game officials.

Stu Jackson, NBA executive vice president of basketball operations, announced the fine Friday.

Bynum was fined for his comments made following the Lakers' 101-96 loss Wednesday to the Dallas Mavericks.

"It's hard to win when it's five against eight," Bynum said after the game, referring to the notion that the three referees were favoring the five Mavericks on the court.

Bynum was called twice for traveling; the Mavericks shot 26 free throws to the Lakers' 16.

The Lakers play Philadelphia Friday night at Staples Center.