Say what you want about Ron Artest but you can’t deny that right now he is the best in the league at soundbites. Justhearing/watching him try to explain is hilarious. While I believe what he says about the situation in game 2, he can’t help but come across as a bad kid trying to lie his way out of trouble by using a story that no one would possibly believe based on his prior offenses… and the childhood b-ball story, tragic as it sounds, the fact that he referenced it .
As funny as Rafer Alston slapping Eddie House was, House just set up himself for some broken ankles, or some more physicality…plain and simple.
Since his arrival into the league in 1996 alongside Kobe Bryant, I have never seen this kind of action from Fisher. As head of the players union, Derek has the reputation of a level headed figure who sets a positive example for those around him. That being said, he was setting an example, for his team that they must display a level of toughness and tenacity that isn’t expected of them. I will admit it was a cheap shot, but it’s a guarantee that with that play looping constantly during Sportscenter and during NBA highlight reels throughout the playoffs, softness is no longer one of the first things you associate the Lakers with.
Result: Derek Fisher suspended 1 game.
While I don’t hide the fact that I’m a Lakers supporter, I (as well as Kobe) admit that Ron Artest shouldn’t have been ejected as a result of this. I also don’t agree with the notion that Kobe should be suspended as a result of this play. This play by Kobe was nowhere near as deliberate as Fisher’s. While Kobe may have a history of allowing his arms to flail and smack opposing players in the face, this wasn’t intentional. Also, I don’t find fault in Artest addressing Kobe after it was clear that the refs would do nothing.
Result: Kobe Bryant later assessed a flagrant foul and fined.
This one one had the funniest reaction. Notice the “owww” by Eddie House by right after Rafer made his headband ripple. It was obvious that this was out of pure frustration. I wouldn’t be surprised if Skip to my Lou tried to put one of his And-1 streetball mones on House the next time their head to head.
