Lamar to Refs: Where Normal Happens, Not Amazing

Nadya Avakian
8 Min Read

Shortly before the start of training camp last month, NBA officials received an updated, more stringent technical foul policy aimed at limiting arguments and menacing gestures toward game officials.

The result? Through the first 59 games of the preseason, 69 technical fouls were called on both players and coaches for violations other than 3 second calls. While the Lakers only accounted for a mere 4 percent of that statistic, still affected, Lamar Odom offered up a new catchphrase for the NBA during a media session last Friday.

Apr 18, 2010 - Orange, CA, USA - The Lakers' Ron Artest can't beleive a call by referee Jason Phillips during the Lakers' 87-79 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of their first round NBA Playoff matchup Sunday at Staples Center.

“Where normal happens…not amazing,” said Odom. “There’s nothing amazing about it. There’s nothing amazing about not showing emotion.”

During a preseason game against the Sacramento Kings, Odom kept his arm elevated after a foul was called to indicate he was within the rules of verticality, a sort-of silent protest that earned him a technical foul.

“That was one of the weirdest technicals I’ve ever gotten,” Odom said.

Under the new guidelines, referees are allowed to assess a technical for demonstrative and continuous displays of emotion, even if they aren’t directed at a referee. Any action that doesn’t show proper respect for the game could result in a technical, subject to the discretion of the referee. Players will be allowed to display emotion, in the heat of the moment, as long as it isn’t over the top and pending they get it under control quickly.

That’s easier said than done.

“It’s an emotional game, no matter what,” Lakers forward Pau Gasol said. “You’re going to react if you don’t agree with a call. You can’t keep yourself cool all the time.”

Next: New policy a problem for players association

Nadya is a staff writer for Lakers Nation after joining the staff in 2010. To read more of Nadya's work click here. Follow Nadya on Twitter @NadyAvak.