If anyone's wondering why Kobe/the Lakers are so hated...

[Andrew]

...it's because of finishes like the one against the Bucks.

Don't get me wrong. Kobe hit a great shot to win the game, once again showing how cool, calm and collected he remains under pressure. Let it not be said that the Bucks didn't have a chance to win the game fair and square either, because they did. They missed the shot wth five seconds left, Bogut missed a crucial free throw in regulation, Ilyasova missed a couple in OT...the opportunity for the Bucks to win the game was unquestionably there. I also freely acknowledge that it's getting to be passe to complain about superstar calls too when it's such an accepted truth.

But still...

Two plays before that, Kobe commited a blatant charging foul. No two ways about it. Bogut had established position outside the no-charge zone, had his arms raised straight up, Kobe ran straight into him a full speed and knocked him down before spinning to the basket and making an off-balance shot that dropped. The call? Basket is good, plus the foul. Again, a player like Kobe is going to get the benefit of the doubt just like any other superstar and there are always going to be calls that are missed or are questionable or that someone somewhere doesn't like. But when a call is so blatantly wrong as that one was, it tarnishes the game and worse yet, gives the "NBA is rigged!" crowd even more ammunition and "proof". Call it the right way, assume everything else went down the same way (missed shots and all) and the Lakers are down four with five seconds left instead of just being down by one. Maybe they still pull off a miracle, maybe they get some other bogus call, but when it happens this way it just plain stinks.

It's what perturbs me about Kobe Bryant. He is without a doubt a great player, the greatest in the league today (I will not say the greatest of all-time because I'm sorry, but I don't believe that and the argument for it always strikes me as fanboyish). He's great at both ends of the court, he's capable of all manner of highlight plays, he's a great clutch performer. Yet, in a way he still strikes me as a bit of a phony hero, a superstar whose superstardom has - in part - been unnecessarily manufactured. I say in part because he is a supremely talented basketball player; looking at the stats and watching him play, only the most bitter hater could suggest he isn't an extraordinary player. Even the best of the best have an off-night, but for the most part he demonstrates his greatness every time he steps onto the court for the Lakers. And since superstar calls are part of the officiating culture in the NBA, yes, he's earned them.

But calls like that cheapen his accomplishments. Think about how Michael Jordan's push-off in 1998 frustrates a lot of people. Same kind of thing against the Bucks today, only Kobe got a free throw to boot while the stakes were admittedly lower. It doesn't help matters that commentators like Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson try to turn everything he does into the Greatest Thing in the History of Basketball, as they did during the 2009 NBA Finals. It's a slap in the face of all the great players from years past, but it's also disrespectful to Kobe in his own way. He doesn't need blatantly bad officiating or slobbering commentators to show how good he is.

Kobe's a player I should enjoy watching being a fan of Michael Jordan and being able to appreciate players with that style even when others cannot stand them, but with the constant hype trying to put him ahead of Jordan and some of the calls that allow him to rack up another 40 point game here or another game winner there, it's difficult. Part of that is simply due to being a Jordan fan of course, he was the player that I admired growing up and just like older fans who hold players like Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Bill Russell or Wilt Chamberlain in high esteem as the greatest of all-time, it's a belief I'll likely never be swayed from. But it's also the forced attempts to make me believe that Kobe is the greatest of all-time that limits my enjoyment of watching him play, the hype-overdrive in the comparisons to Jordan and the other greats from yesteryear, the officiating that helps him get some of the achievements that make his case.

In all fairness, it's not just Kobe though. It's the same reason people hate LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, to name but a couple of others. Between the hype, the rule changes, the superstar calls, nostalgic feelings of "the players I grew up watching were better" and simple frustration with the opponent (at least seemingly) getting more calls watching these great players play can be a disappointingly infuriating experience. And that's the thing, they are all great, talented players. It should be a joy to watch them, they don't need commentators slobbering over them and hyping everything they do to a ridiculous level. They especially don't need some of the superstar calls they get.

The league doesn't need it either, not with all the scandal surrounding the officials. If I were in David Stern's position, I would not have caved to the referees this past offseason. They want more money? Clean up, and shape up. Things might've been a bit ugly at times with the replacement referees, especially at the beginning, but given a chance I think it would've worked out and we'd still get to watch some great basketball. It would've sent a pretty clear message to the locked out referees as well as the conspiracy theorists who believe the whole thing is rigged.

What's truly eye-rolling though is Stern's recent comments about the NBA looking to relax its policies on gambling. I mean, seriously? In the wake of a huge scandal that, you know, involved gambling? Again, more ammunition for the conspiracy theory crowd and personally, I find that a depressing thought. Call me naive if you must, but I would like to think that the NBA is not all rigged. I'd like to think that the extent of it is that referees give superstar players the benefit of the doubt because they are the headliners in a way (and have been since it was George Mikan vs the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden) and that a few referees - being human - have taken a disliking to certain players for one reason or another and aren't always 100% fair or professional. I'd like to think there aren't any memos coming down from Stern and co instructing referees that a series must go one more game or that Team X must win the championship this year. I also still think if that were the case evidence would be leaked by now, but regardless I'd like to think despite some flaws, the NBA is for the most part on the up and up.

Things like the turn of events in today's Lakers/Bucks game don't help. I should not feel so cynical to suggest that players like Kobe could tuck the ball under their arm, run the length of the floor without dribbling while his teammates punch out the opposition, finish with a dunk and get the and-one despite all the opponents being knocked out on the floor. Frankly, the NBA and the officials owe Milwaukee an apology. It comes back to the referees being held publicly accountable and further expansion of the video replay. There's no better example of a case where being able to challenge a foul call with the video replay would be a great idea that should, in theory, ensure that justice is served. Some calls won't be overturned, others will be. Blatantly incorrect calls like the one today would surely have to be overturned, lest they expose gross incompetence on the part of the officials. Of course, it somehow all reflects back on the players anyway, seeing as how people still hate Dwyane Wade for what happened in the 2006 Finals.

The bottom line? The Bucks got screwed today. Kobe also hit a great shot, the referee's decision is final after all and he simply took advantage of the opportunity. The referee made the call, the decision is final and both teams had to play on from there. Still, it bothers me how that opportunity came about.

[J@3]

phpBB [video]

Unbelievable.

[hova-]

I can definitely understand you, Andrew. This was clear charge for sure. But I also agree on the other things you've said. It's just the NBA style to give it's superstars a godlike status which simply does not show any neutrality. Kobe plays with a broken finger? He's a hero since he's scoring 42 even with a broken finger! But that there are other guys playing with injuries etc. does not count.

Kobe hits the buzzerbeater in OT after a really bad non call on his charge a possesion before? He is the hero. Pau Gasol recording 26/22 in this game? He gets once sentence for that in the recap. That's just how it is ...

[benji]

How long do you need to have your feet set for to draw a charge? Bogut's weren't set (if at all) for more than a tenth of a second.

Kobe Bryant. He is without a doubt a great player, the greatest in the league today

Misspelled LeBron James there.

[Andrew]

I can definitely understand you, Andrew. This was clear charge for sure. But I also agree on the other things you've said. It's just the NBA style to give it's superstars a godlike status which simply does not show any neutrality. Kobe plays with a broken finger? He's a hero since he's scoring 42 even with a broken finger! But that there are other guys playing with injuries etc. does not count.

Kobe hits the buzzerbeater in OT after a really bad non call on his charge a possesion before? He is the hero. Pau Gasol recording 26/22 in this game? He gets once sentence for that in the recap. That's just how it is ...

Just to clarify, I'm not saying Kobe shouldn't be billed as a superstar. He's a great talent and a standout player, so it comes with the territory that he'd get top billing on the Lakers. However, having said that I certainly agree it's unfortunate Gasol's 20-20 game flys under the radar. It's funny though, I didn't notice that until I looked at the boxscores; Gasol seemed to put that performance together quite effortlessly.

How long do you need to have your feet set for to draw a charge? Bogut's weren't set (if at all) for more than a tenth of a second.

They were set about as long as they usually have to be to draw a charge in the NBA.

[dare]

Well I don't want to be rude but I think benji is right, Bogut did not set his position that long it was a 50/50 call but if that was me I definitely call it a foul and one.

[Andrew]

if that was me I definitely call it a foul and one.

I'm shocked.

It's about how long Derek Fisher has his feet set whenever he scoots over from the weak side to draw charges. Countless others, too.

[benji]

Yes, refs suck, have always sucked and suck five times as much when your team is playing. Hating Kobe, the Lakers, LeBron or Wade because the refs suck is silly.

[J@3]

I probably would be more ok with it had the ref signalled a charge straight away. He blew the whistle then didn't know what to call, that's bizarre.

[adv1s5]

Poorly called game on both sides, I thought. As usual the refs were hesitant in calling every foul inside and slow down the game, and in the case of Kobe's charge they knew they had to call something but didn't know what. To their credit, Bogut did shuffle his feet considerably before being in position, and to my understanding there is more to a charge call than simple foot placement, as they're looking at the upper body and waist position as well. Referee's get a lot of crap for some of the calls they make, but I cannot see the situation getting any better. They had to make a call, they made a call with what they saw, and were decisive in it. It's much different watching the game on TV or even being in the stands than constantly having to look for several other violations with only two other people. In fact, referees plan out what to look out for before every game because of the difficulty in trying to call every violation as it happens. Basketball is not an easy game to officiate.

Several fouls could have been called on the Bucks late in the game, most notably when Artest drove the lane in OT on Bogut, but I think the referees were trying not to give the Lakers as many more free throws, as they already had shot a lot.

It did feel a little sloppy, yes, but in no way does that one call cheapen the outcome of the game. Bogut and Ilyasova missed crucial free throws. The Bucks still shot 42%. You can just as easily say because the refs didn't call palming on Ridnour, they gave the Bucks more of a chance.

I also think the notion of "superstar treatment" is a little silly. Star players routinely penetrates or tries to split a defense and loses the ball with obvious contact or reaching in from the defender, but no call is made. Watch games with Kobe or Wade getting 7+ turnovers a game and you'll see what I mean. Not to say they aren't genuinely being stripped of the basketball every time, but they are getting hacked on some occasions.

Also, lol at Bucks commentators. Love how the guy doing the color turned batshit crazy on some of the calls.

[dare]

Maybe there will be a less controversy if the the ref did not hesitate on his call. I mean if he called the decision right away and not taking too much time as if he accidentally called the foul on Bogut.

[Fresh8]

However, having said that I certainly agree it's unfortunate Gasol's 20-20 game flys under the radar. It's funny though, I didn't notice that until I looked at the boxscores; Gasol seemed to put that performance together quite effortlessly.

Agreed. He's had 20 rebounds in 3 of the lats 4 games and last game had 16... He's an efficient scorer and the Lakers have lost just 1 game since he came back from injury. I still think he is a star in his own right, one of the best PFs in the League and is grossly underrated due to others being more popular... brings up my arguement of him being a legit NBA star from a while ago...

[benji]

People are saying Gasol isn't a star? Who? I assume these people haven't noticed he's led the league in ORtg since he arrived in Los Angeles.

Probably the same people who like to pretend Kobe doesn't play with two other superstars.

[Fresh8]

People are saying Gasol isn't a star? Who? I assume these people haven't noticed he's led the league in ORtg since he arrived in Los Angeles.

Probably the same people who like to pretend Kobe doesn't play with two other superstars.

Everyone pulls out the 'he did not win in Memphis' argument - well, the last time I brought this up. I am sure they will reveal themselves.

They seem to forget this guy is the leader of the Spanish national team who happen to be World Champions. They forget his unique skillset that makes him one of the best PFs in the NBA. He is a star and on another team, could be a superstar.

[J@3]

I've been reading the rules on NBA.com and it doesn't say anywhere that the defenders feet have to be set...

Blocks/Charge: A block/charge foul occurs when a defender tries to get in front of his man to stop him from going in that direction. If he does not get into a legal defensive position and contact occurs, it is a blocking foul. If he gets to a legal position and the offensive player runs into him it is an offensive foul. In both situations, if the contact is minimal, no foul may be called. To get into a legal position defending against the dribbler, the defender just needs to get in front of him. On a drive to the basket, the defender must get to his position before the shooter starts his upward shooting motion. For most other cases, the defender must get into position and allow enough distance for the offensive player to stop and/or change direction.

A legal defending position = in front of the defender, and to be there before the shooter starts his upwards shooting motion. I'd say Bogut was there before Kobe since Kobe stopped then spun into him. Either way the whole charge/block debate is a bit pointless since he clearly traveled before any of that happened.

[Andrew]

If that's the rule, then it certainly seems like a charge to me.

[NovU]

A bad call obviously by referees there, and we saw a few of those in Laker's last game vs Heat. I always liked LA and still is an ok to me in terms of likeability. But it's stupid Laker's fans I can't stand. Usually, whenever they hear something they don't want to hear, they will start calling you names or haters. One way or the other, you will usually end up shouting "Fuck Lakers." because they annoy you so much. Well, at least that was my case usually.

[Andrew]

Quite true, the behaviour and attitude of a team's fans can certainly influence other fan's feelings towards said team. I'm certain that Bulls fans greatly annoyed everyone through the 90s (and we're sure paying for it now).

[The X]

It was a charge. But if you aren't going to call the charge then at least make it a no call. Simple as that. Everybody already knows my opinion on this topic so best not to rehash it.

[Andrew]

Absolutely.

if the contact is minimal, no foul may be called

It's a condition I'd like to see used more often for calls both ways.

[NovU]

I always wished they'd implement system where the team can challenge the calls just like in tennis. 2 or 3 times per game I think would be fair, so the wrong calls can be corrected for critical situations. It's always been a problem but some calls are just too damn stupid to be affecting the outcome of the game so much.

[hova-]

People are saying Gasol isn't a star? Who? I assume these people haven't noticed he's led the league in ORtg since he arrived in Los Angeles.

Probably the same people who like to pretend Kobe doesn't play with two other superstars.

Everyone pulls out the 'he did not win in Memphis' argument - well, the last time I brought this up. I am sure they will reveal themselves.

They seem to forget this guy is the leader of the Spanish national team who happen to be World Champions. They forget his unique skillset that makes him one of the best PFs in the NBA. He is a star and on another team, could be a superstar.

Gasol has never been so near to being the best European player. Dirk had just been more successfull individually in the last 5 to 6 years, but Gasol right now is definitely right up with Dirk. (I'm saying this as a Dirk fan, but also a fan of European basketball). Spain has a decent team, but without Gasol they would not have won any of their last two titles. I really like this guy playing. And on Euro level it's not only his intelligent play and his fundamental, he is also a tough, physical player. He has translated that to the NBA very well, but does not get credit for it because he does not look like Dwight Howard or LeBron James. (although he has a better shot than both)

[Oznogrd]

I always wished they'd implement system where the team can challenge the calls just like in tennis. 2 or 3 times per game I think would be fair, so the wrong calls can be corrected for critical situations. It's always been a problem but some calls are just too damn stupid to be affecting the outcome of the game so much.

The difference between a challenge in basketball and all the other leagues that now allow replay to overcome bad calls: basketball is alot harder to find a "good stopping point". I mean, how long after the foul should you be allowed to challenge? How conclusive must the evidence be? etc. Its a complicated thing to do. And then of course. Are you allowed to challenge almost anything? what do you lose for being a dick and holding up the game? (a time out?)

[NovU]

Of course, there will be drawbacks and challenges in any new rules or systems, but I think it's a matter of trying. Issues of bad refereeing have arised to be a major let down for a lot of fans but I find it really frustrating that nothing much has been done to prevent them from happening. I realize everything can't be perfect since it's a human sport and not a computer game, but I get the feeling NBA tries to avoid addressing issues of referees. Besides, many agrees that Tim Donuthy's claims are true to some degrees, and something needs to be done about it, or at least an investigation, but I don't think anything has improved that much since then. I think it's another shush, time will be a cure moment again.

[StupidBoy]

Even if they call it a blocking foul, there shouldn't be an And-1. That was as much an obvious travel as it was an obvious charge.
But even with the play played out as it was, Kobe still proved he's pretty darn good in the clutch. I'm no Kobe/Lakers fan, but I respect him and his team. The Lakers did nothing here, the refs screwed this. They literally changed the outcome of the game with that call.

+ the Bucks missed some free-throws late in the game, so theres some fault one their shoulders too. (Not that I'm defending that call.)