Let The Feuding Begin Between Lakers and Thunder

Usually it's a player that starts the fireworks prior to the start of a playoffs series, but this time coach Phil Jackson got the ball rolling.

Jackson made a bold statement saying that Kevin Durant gets special treatment from the refs which pads his scoring totals each game.

"Yeah, by the calls he gets, he really gets to the line a lot, I'll tell ya," Jackson said.

Durant is obviously not happy about the remarks and views them as disrespectful, and I can't blame him one bit for feeling that way. However, Durant has to use this as a positive influence to help propel the franchise to it's first series win since becoming the Thunder.

There is some truth to Jackson's comment. Durant led the league in free throw attempts and tied with LeBron James in free throw attempts per game at just over ten a game.

However, you can't blame Durant for that. If anything it should be viewed as a strength of Durant's because it means he's being aggressive. Is that not what every coach teaches? To drive to the basket and draw a foul if anything else.

It's a two way street and Jackson should take a look at his own star player who also gets some of that "superstar treatment" from the refs.

It's unfortunately part of the game. The NBA wants their stars to succeed and put up big numbers night in and night out. Like almost everything else in this world, it's a business that's driven by making the most money possible.

You can't come down on Jackson too hard because Kobe Bryant, arguably the NBA's best player, attempted almost 300 less free throws that Durant did. Once again though, you can't blame Durant for that.

The Thunder should not be taken lightly by the Lakers going into this series. They're a very talented team and playoff inexperience is the only thing that really could hold this team back from making a solid run in the playoffs.

I'm sure the NBA is happy to hear Jackson's comments because it will certainly impact the ratings in a positive way.

NBA Leaders In Free Throw Attempts

1. Kevin Durant- 840
2. Dwight Howard- 816
3. LeBron James- 773
4. Dwyane Wade- 702
5. Amare Stoudemire- 632