Phil Jackson pokes fun at NBA and Kevin Durant for outcry over officiating charge
In a conversation that has gone back and forth as quickly as ping pong, Lakers Coach Phil Jackson quickly served up another volley of pointed comments toward Oklahoma City guard Kevin Durant that he hopes will result in an ace.
This past week, Jackson explicitly charged on two separate occassions that Durant received favorable treatment from officials and would be the NBA torchbearer "based on the calls he gets," suggesting that his league-leading 30.1 points per game mostly benefits from his league-leading 840 free-throw attempts. Those comments then drew a $35,000 fine from the NBA.
Informed, or perhaps reminded, that Durant considered the comments "disrespectful," Jackson didn't mince words. Instead of hurling insults about Durant's game, Jackson responded with flattery. But the tone reminded me of instances when someone reacts negatively to a prank, only to be chastised because of their perceived overreaction.
"I really don't know what he was upset about," Jackson said of Durant. "It wasn't that upsetting. He shot the most free throws in the league. He made the most free throws in the league. He shot the most shots in the league. He made the most shots in the league. I voted for him on the All-Star team. He made the All-Star team. We know he's a great player. Congratulations."
Bottom line, Jackson is having fun with this and we're only happy to facilitate. Lakers forward Pau Gasol even had in on some of the fun too, but more on Jackson's fine than anything about Durant. In fact, El Spaniard spoke highly of Durant, saying "he's been playing really well." I just hope Gasol doesn't draw a fine himself for saying the "referees treat him already like a superstar just his third year in the league" because it really spoke in spirit to how Durant's driving ability creates contact and draws fouls, not because of preferential treatment.
Then again, as Jackson reminded us, you can always write off those fines as tax deductions. "That was a gift to the NBA charity," Jackson said, laughing. "The NBA Cares. They really care a lot about ... I've got to get out of here before I start something."
--Mark Medina
Follow the L.A. Times Lakers blog on Twitter. E-mail the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com
Great interview by Fish guys. Man he is really bringing the speaking skills for the playoffs. He is definitely putting it all out on the table with his answers to the questions. Look for a big series from him when the media shows up to his locker !!!
Posted by: DFish | April 16, 2010 at 10:49 PM
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Posted by: skyebelli | April 16, 2010 at 11:20 PM
Phil Jackson is a free spirit.
I like that.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 17, 2010 at 01:08 AM
Time to unleash the Bio-Chrono Weapon.
Let the mindgames begin.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 17, 2010 at 01:11 AM
Umm.... the interviews were by Phil Jackson and Pau Gasol.
So...
What do we play for? RINGS!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 17, 2010 at 01:32 AM
By the way, Phil's fine is kind of ridiculous.
Objectively speaking, it's kind of ridiculous.
The guys who actually run the NBA (**cough**DARTH STERN**cough**) are just plain distorted people.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 17, 2010 at 01:36 AM
No more coca for Pau. Already too wound up.
Posted by: Maleke | April 17, 2010 at 01:41 AM
on ron artest
> he's equal part bravado and humility. but at the heart of it, he's just a new guy trying to fit in.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uB1zzOn29iQ
i like the last minute of this video.
Posted by: qs | April 17, 2010 at 02:39 AM
Jon K -"Umm.... the interviews were by Phil Jackson and Pau Gasol.
So..."
1. Don't confuse a troll with facts.
2. Trolls don't have to actually read/listen to an article like the rest of us. They're magical creatures...remember?
JR
Posted by: Jolly Rancher | April 17, 2010 at 06:43 AM
Umm...the previous post had Derek Fisher first team All Interview.
He is really bringing his A game to the locker room.
Just think how valuable he will be next year when he only gives interviews as an assistant coach and you don't have to worry about him playing defense or shooting bricks !!!
Posted by: DFish | April 17, 2010 at 06:43 AM
As I said a couple of days ago. The first couple of times Durant heads for the hole he's going to have his mind on the whistle. If it doesn't sound and he had better keep his composure or it's going to be even easier for Artest to get under his skin. Ron Ron doesn't mind soaking up a T or two during the playoffs, how about Durant?
JR
Posted by: Jolly Rancher | April 17, 2010 at 06:54 AM
Playoffs are here ....
---------------------
Great interview by Fish guys. Man he is really bringing the speaking skills for the playoffs. He is definitely putting it all out on the table with his answers to the questions. Look for a big series from him when the media shows up to his locker !!!
Posted by: DFish | April 16, 2010 at 10:49 PM
_____________________________________
Seems like Fish did flip his playoff switch.
Fish is ready ... Bring on the media!
Posted by: Todd | April 17, 2010 at 07:36 AM
It's time to unleash the Beast.
16 W's to Championship #16!!!!
Posted by: rdlee | April 17, 2010 at 07:55 AM
It is OK to criticize the refs. as long as the criticisms are legitimate. It is also OK to fine players and coaches if there is a gross violation of a written rule or policy. Unfortunately, when it is a gray area who is the final arbiter on what is a legitimate criticism and a fair penalty? Will PJ spend time at the Superior Courts to appeal the two consecutive fines? Will NBA league office render equal treatment to all teams under this precedent? In absence of clear cut rules, that is where abuses occur.
Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 17, 2010 at 08:06 AM
I am also curious where do the fines go on the NBA accounting? It would be great if they could beef up the retirement fund of old NBA players who never enjoyed the bounty of today's players. Again just like its fuzzy rules, nobody knows where those fines go? In absence of transparency, we will always speculate that it goes to David Stearns coffers. Some of you mentioned "how socialism is practiced?" When there are vague rules and speculations are not addressed, that's how a socialist dictator operates in gray areas.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 17, 2010 at 08:18 AM
DFish,
To answer your response in the other thread with regards to Fisher and Artest, I think you will see them their experience as true grit defense that were not exhibited during the season games. It's playoffs time so the mojo of playing is elevated. Those easy Durant lay ups and dunks will no longer be easy and will be contested this time. I mentioned Fisher though he is absent all season because of his acquired experience from past playoffs in the last 10 years. This is the first time Durant will play in a playoff game. I know you reject whatever Fisher does, I say hold on to your gripes till the end of the playoffs.
According to L. Abbott he said: "Patience is a passion tamed."
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 17, 2010 at 08:44 AM
What's a grown up man, 10-ring guru bullying a kid like this?
Why does he need to play these mind games?
Doesn't he have enough faith on his team on his coaching genius? Are these mind games the secret to his success?
What kind of mind game is he going to play on LeBron and Shaq, in case he gets that far?
This sort of BS wouldn't come back to haunt him, would it?
Posted by: zopi | April 17, 2010 at 05:00 PM
Usually Phil reserves his mind games for veterans playing for more threatening opponents. That he would go after a young player on an inexperienced team indicates that he’s concerned that the Durant and the Thunder will give the Lakers significant problems. When you have to complain in the media then you have a problem that can’t be dealt with on the court.
Posted by: Arun | April 18, 2010 at 10:38 AM