Washington, D.C. (AP) – President Bush declared the Los Angeles Lakers the 2002 NBA World Champions on Sunday, in order to keep the nation focused on the War on Terrorism.(c)

Bush circumvented the normal playoff procedure in determining the world champions by utilizing a little known executive power which grants the president unlimited power to regulate professional sports during times of national emergency.

The NBA playoffs would detract attention from the War on Terrorism(c), according to Bush.

“Excitement created by the playoffs would distract Americans from our most pressing concern- finding and killing terrorists,” he said. “The playoffs presented a clear danger to the nation.”