Los Angeles Lakers question technical foul rule
Los Angeles Lakers head coach Phil Jackson questioned the new NBA technical rule after Lamar Odom drew a crucial technical in the final minute of their 121-116 loss against the Phoenix Suns
on Sunday 14 November.
Odom drew a technical foul when he asked for an and-one call right after making a layup over Hedo Turkoglu that brought the Lakers within two points, 111-109, with 53.7 seconds left in the
game.
Instead of having a chance to pull within one with a bonus free throw, Odom’s reaction gave the Suns a three-point lead after Steve Nash converted the technical free throw.
“I was unhappy about the situation that happened with Lamar,” said Jackson. “I don't think the NBA wants that type of thing to happen, but that's part of the residual that's going to happen
off of the policy they have.”
Jackson also added that the league informed them that a “normal reaction” would not merit a technical, and he believes that Odom only had that kind of reaction since the game was in a crucial
place.
“Here's what they said, they said, 'we expect a normal reaction’,” said Jackson. “It's a game of emotion, we expect a normal reaction, but we don't want continuing bantering.' So what Odom
did wasn't continuing and it was a normal reaction, so that's why I'm saying we expect better judgment in that situation.”
Odom, on the other hand, agreed with Jackson’s assessment, saying that asking for an and-one call is just a normal reaction. He did not meant to disrespect the referees, especially in a part
of the game when all emotions are expected to be on a higher level.
“It looked like Turkoglu was trying to foul me on purpose, I thought,” said Odom. “Actually referee Ronnie Garretson was in on the play and I turned to him and said 'And one!' and the ref
off the ball called it. Probably it looked a little more demonstrative to him because my back was turned to him.”
Lakers superstar Kobe Bryan also blasted the call and said that the NBA should revisit the new rule because it can throw off a players’ game, because basketball is an emotional sport, and
Odom’s reaction was just a normal thing in basketball.
“It's a bad rule," said Byrant. "It is subject to so much interpretation. It is tough. I've been toeing the line here, so I don't want to say much more.”
Even Phoenix Suns head coach Alvin Gentry admitted in the post-game conference that he was surprised with the call, although the call helped his team to escape with a victory.
“That's one of those things that I think is really tough,” Gentry said. “A guy shows a little bit of emotion, I don't know if it may have been the thing to do, but it's the rule. If you're
asking me if I like the call, I don't particularly like the call, but the rule is what it is.”
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