Can Smush Parker go from NBA player to a league referee?

The former Lakers guard is trying to become one of only four players to graduate to officiating in the league. He says his experience is a valuable tool

Former Los Angeles Lakers point guard Smush Parker says he was born with a basketball." Both of his parents were ardent players, so Parker has been around the game since he was an infant. Now, though, he's more likely to have a whistle in his hand. Yes, the 41-year-old is looking to become just the fourth former NBA player to referee in the league. But he says it's no easy task to master the ropes.

I never liked referees when I was a player," says Parker, with a laugh. I was an up-and-coming player, I wasn't one of the stars. So, there were a lot of calls that didn't go in my favor."