Written by @sevsarkissian aka Sevag Sarkissian

Would you ever think NBA fans would be desperate for injured NBA official Steve Javie to get healthy so quick to save the playoffs? Sure, NBA refs get injured to (some thankfully), but when there is a noticeable absence of quality veteran referees in the NBA Playoffs you start to wonder. At least I have counted my blessings Dick Bavetta has not been assigned critical games. We have endured refs such as James Capers, Joe Derosa, Monty McCutchen, Tom Washington, Ed Rush, who take the term “home court advantage” too literal.

Lakers fans have endured the disparity of free throw attempts, despite the political correctness of Kobe Bryant saying it was a defensive let down, or the sly statements of Phil Jackson which translate into “we lost the game because there was a disparity in the calls being made, and the amount of contact allowed.”

Officials know the points of emphasis to call during the course of the game during their pre-game meeting. But are those calls being made evenly on both ends of the court? Let’s rewind to recent memory (be it against our own will to recollect games 3 & 4 vs. Phoenix) where Amare Stoudamire took 2 less free throws than the entire time in one of those game, and in the other game there was a 19 attempt difference which translated into an advantage of 15 points for the Suns (validating Phil’s point on where they lost the game).

Sure you can use Kobe’s excuse of a lack of defense (that would be you Lakers bench flop), but how was that lack of defense created? The rule book stated a defensive player is entitled to their space when vertical, including the space above them. Meaning, they can jump straight up as long as they remain vertical and in defensive position. If a player creates contact with a defender maintaining their verticality there is no foul, just good defense. This rule my fellow citizens, should be reviewed by the same refs assigned to games 3 and 4 (along with the 2 palming violations in one possession Dragic had on that play consistently shown on ESPN).

As this created foul trouble for the Lakers big men, and Derek Fisher, it also took away from being able to play any defense. Players being called for such fouls have to re-adjust their defense multiple times during the course of the game, while the offensive player is able to continue using it as an advantage.

I’m not holding my breath for any calls to go differently on the road. Some refs just play the crowd and momentum of the home team. This is where I miss Steve Javie, and the recently retired Jack Nies. Quality officials who officiate the game and not the environment are sorely absent. I was hopeful in seeing more of Courtney Kirkland, Bob Delaney, Phil Robinson, and Joe Forte. Ron Garretson, a shout out to you too, you bring me memories of the 2000 Western Conference Finals and calling a technical at Rasheed Wallace.

We’re on to a familiarity of Lakers Playoff Basketball, Game 5 must win. A game 5 where who the refs are, it doesn’t matter, you adjust. You adjust as a veteran team to the officiating, you adjust to the rate of contact allowed, you adjust to your positioning, you stay calm and carry on.

We have seen the characteristics of NBA refs who have a certain tendencies to make the quick whistle (specifically speaking against our Lakers), and yes I’m talking to you Sean Corbin, Tony Brothers, Jim Capers, Ken Mauer, Ed Rush, tome Washington, and Cal State Fullerton’s own Leon Wood.

Moving forward we are likely to see more of Mr. McCutchen, Callahan, both Crawfords, Ken Mauer, Tom Washington, Greg Willard, Ed Rush, Scott Foster and Bob Delaney. Not a comforting list if you’re a Lakers fan. Hopeful we can get the “homer refs” in early at Staples and out of the way when the officiating roster for the Finals gets tighter.

At this point, I’ll even accept you Ron Olesiak and David Jones.

But Mr. Javie, I miss you, the NBA Playoffs miss you, the game misses you, your whistle misses you…

Take a look at the Craziness of Joey Crawford:

[phpbay]Lakers Hat, 3[/phpbay]

Popularity: 2%

Lakers Nation to Your Email Address: