Joe Mama said:
Kobe Bryant is an ass. Everybody knows that. Even Ddogg knows what an arrogant prick he is. What Bell was responding to was Kobe's comment that was something like, "I get out what all the time, and I don't react like that." That's not a direct quote, but was something along those lines.
Of course that is total crap, and Bell pointed out that Bryant took a big shot at Mike Miller after catching an inadvertent hand to the face.
Charles Barkley, although he is entertaining, is one of the biggest hypocrites around, especially when it comes to the Phoenix Suns. He is always talking down on teams that don't play great defense. Well, that was always one of the knocks on Barkley as a player. I know Kenny Smith is constantly biting is time listening to Charles Barkley talk.
That said,, Barkley is right about the flop. On the play where Kobe Bryant "elbowed Bell in the chest" and received an offensive foul Bell flopped. I love Raja Bell because he is on the Phoenix Suns, but you can't look at him play objectively without seeing that he plays what most of us would call dirty basketball. If he was guarding one of our players like that we would be up in arms.
I think it was wrong, but Phil Jackson was onto something when he said Bell deserved the elbows. I can't imagine how frustrating it would be for Kobe Bryant when he's getting groped and molested the entire game, and then he's getting called for offensive fouls when he makes minimal contact with Bell that sends him flying 5-8 feet. Of course I love it because I loathe Kobe Bryant, and Raja is playing for the Phoenix Suns.
Joe
First, I know I said I wasn't going to post here until the series was over, but I am just TOO jacked for this game not to come over here.
Anyway, the only reason I am breaking my vow of silence, was to tell you that was BY FAR, the best post I have read on either board (here and Lakersground) over the whole series.
Although I don't think Kobe is an ass or a prick, I will say, that I most likely would feel the exact same way, if he wasn't a Laker. Which I guess is the essence of being a fan (i.e. I love my guy, and hate the other guys.)
There has been a lot of contact and jockeying in this series especially between Kobe and Raja. However, anyone that has ever played basketball at any higher level, understands that is just part of the game within the game. Hell, if I had a dollar for every elbow I threw or got hit with, I wouldn't be working right now (I use working as a realitive term since I am obviously posting on a message board).
What Raja did however, crossed the line between the game within the game and being dirty. He took a cheap shot, that is not within the context of basketball competition, IMO (
and before it is brought up, I think Luke's foul was although cheap within this context because it was during a layup attempt in the playoffs. Also, Kwames was borderline, but at least was the result of 2 players getting mixed up for a loose ball. Raja, seemed premediated, and made even furthe by telling the bench that 'foul was for you', and not neccesairly a in the heat of battle type thing. Although I already know 90% of you will disagree with how I see the three instances.). Made even funnier by the fact that he used the supposed elbow in the face earlier (which replays definitively show didn't come close to hitting him in the face) as his reasoning for going 'over the edge'. When, more likely then not, the reason for the cheap shot is Kobe being an 'arrogant prick' and what was described as 'prodding from the Laker bench'.
What it all boils down to is, the Lakers got away with some questionable no calls in game 4, which gave Kobe the opportuinity to make some amazing game winning plays (the fact is, the game should have never even been that close, considering Kobe didn't play for almost 11 minutes in the 2nd quarter due to foul problems and the Suns didn't take advantage of that opportunity). The Suns, in my view, got a lot of beneficial offensive foul calls at home in game 5, but their shooting and much improved defense was even more of a reason for their victory. However, Raja's boneheaded, and in my estimation cheap, play may cost them in the end because his obvious ability to frustrate and draw offensive foul calls on Kobe will not be available to the Suns in a pivotal, potential close-out, road game.
We'll see what happens tonight. To be honest, I really wish I felt more confident about this game then I do. However, I think that Raja's deserved suspension gives us an advantage not only for a more comfortable Kobe, but also with the effect that it has on the Suns already depleted depth. If the Suns play with the passion they did on Tuesday and keep hitting those threes, I can definitly see them sending it to a game 7.
Kobe needs to try and fight the urge to go off, without Raja around to annoy the crap out of him. Allow Odom to continue to exploit the advantage on Marion, or whoever else is trying to cover him (Diaw?). If we can do this, and keep Kwame in the game, instead of on the bench with foul trouble, I like the Lakers chances.
Simply stated, the most aggresive team will most likely get the benefit of the calls, and more likely than not win the game. Should be fun, there is no substitute for NBA playoff basketball.
