Jackson Has an Official View on Calls

The Lakers did not approve of the officiating over parts of Game 2 by referees Dan Crawford, Bill Spooner and Ted Bernhardt.

While that’s a tired NBA story seemingly told by every losing team, Coach Phil Jackson has developed a method to it.

Take Wednesday’s observations, given over the course of 10 to 15 minutes:

On another atrocious first half by the Lakers: “We came out aggressive and the referees wouldn’t let us play that way and [we] got ourselves in trouble to start the game.”

On San Antonio’s defense: “The second quarter, there were three blocked shots by [Tim] Duncan. Two of them might have been fouls, but he is the MVP player, so he is going to get a few leniencies here and there.... The second momentum burst was when they got their phony timeout play. That was a violation, but they got away with it.”

On the end-of-game traveling call against Kobe Bryant: “I don’t think that’s a violation that Kobe was called for. You can’t grab your own shot, but that’s a fumble. They let guys do that all the time in the NBA.... I’m very confused with that call.

“The way the night went I’m not amazed by it, but I’m surprised they made that call as many things as they let go on.”

On Bryant shooting two free throws in Game 2, and the Spurs getting five more free-throws in the series: “Some of it is taking it to the basket and being more productive at the basket. Not that I didn’t think [Bryant] was fouled. I know he was fouled. But, getting to the line is a different thing.

“You have to not only get fouled but get recognized for getting fouled and get to the line because of that.”

Finally, on his opinion of the officiating in Game 2: “I don’t want to comment on that.”

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That being said, and despite the perceived pending doom after the L.A. split, the Lakers were in decent spirits on Wednesday afternoon. They practiced and watched film in El Segundo, and will again today before their chartered flight to San Antonio.

Bryant’s right knee, which was bruised in Game 1, was sore but not limiting. Shaquille O’Neal took his usual treatment, then released everyone by shouting, “1-2-3,” and they shouted back, “Lakes.”

By the time reporters were allowed into the gym, assistant coach Kurt Rambis and everyone else who didn’t play a lot of minutes the night before were playing four-on-four, full court.

The day wasn’t without introspection, of course.

“Well, you know, I’ve always favored poor sleep and restlessness,” Jackson said with a grin. “That’s always good for a person. But, raccoon eyes I can stay away from. I’ve got big bags under my eyes for a reason, and that’s the way we played.”

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Bryant, on the closing seconds: “Usually, when I make a solid middle penetration like that, I can always find somebody on the three-point line. We just had a breakdown getting to our spots. But, next time I get into a situation like that, I will put the ball in the hole.