Before Game 3 of the NBA Finals the cameras caught Lakers power forward Karl Malone poking a fan in the face. Auburn Hills police are looking into the matter.

'Malone, a 19-year NBA veteran and the league's second-leading career scorer, said Friday that the fan had obviously been drinking and spit in his face while heckling him.

``He was really out of line,'' Malone said. ``Just because you buy a ticket doesn't mean you should be able to get on the court and degrade somebody.''

Malone shouted back and jabbed his right index finger at the man, whose head jerked backward. As to whether he made contact, Malone said, ``Maybe I did, but he was in my playing field.

``He was on the court. Where was the security in the arena?'' he said.'