there's no accountability nowadays... back in the 80's robert parish would have crushed him with some forearms the way he did to laimbeer.
most of this is attributable to the culture of entitlement which david stern fostered towards his various darlings - first it was the pistons, then the bulls, then the lakers, now the heat. all vile, dirty teams, and they all know they're protected by the refs. it honestly makes me sick, i can see why some hockey fans look down upon this sport, you push the limits there, you get your comeuppance BIG TIME.
honestly, maybe it would be good if there were some goons in this league - remember vitaly potapenko? just big strong bruisers, give them a decent, slightly overpaid contract, and every once in a while, when it's needed, send them on a hit-job. when the league office complains, tell them to that the refs aren't protecting your players, and your teammates are just standing up for each other. unlikely this would work, but it would be fun to watch.