Phil Jackson: LeBron 'Gets Away With Murder' in Cleveland

The only group Phil Jackson tries to brainwash more frequently than his players are the league's referees. Any way Jackson can get the zebra party to adjust their vision to a more purple-and-gold hue, he'll do it. Usually, this comes in the form of flapping his lips to the media.

As the Lakers prepare for the a rematch with the Cavaliers Sunday on national T.V., Jackson has turned his attention on LeBron James and the supposed favor he curries with the refs.

Kevin Ding of the Orange County Register's Lakers blog gives Phil's mouth the spotlight:

Speaking about James' home-court advantage with the fans (and then the referees) in Cleveland, Jackson said: "They all wear No. 23 and help him throw that (expletive) up in the air when he's at the scorer's desk. He gets away with murder, on top of it, on his home court."

Damn the fans for ... um ... being excited they can watch the greatest player in the world 41+ times? Whatever. But the accusation that the refs favor LeBron in Cleveland is a bit serious, and that's what Jackson is (always) after: he wants the zebra crew to swallow their whistles Sunday.

Never mind that LeBron draws more fouls on the road than at home per game (10 road, 9 home) and per minute (0.25 road, 0.23 home). And though Kobe Bryant draws plenty of fouls as well, it benefits Jackson to have the total whistle level low in Sunday's game. LeBron makes his lunch going to the rim, and the only way to stop him is to foul him. (Sometimes, that doesn't even work.) If the Lakers can get away being more physical than would normally be allowed, that'd certainly help keep LeBron from popping off.

Of course, the Cavs are stronger and more physical top to bottom. Pound 'Bron a little too much and Ben Wallace (or 'Bron himself) might have a shove or elbow at the ready.

LeBron Photos

** FILE ** In this Jan. 16, 2009 photo, Cleveland Cavaliers' Mo Williams (2) jumps to the basket against New Orleans Hornets' David West (30) in the fourth quarter in an NBA basketball game in Cleveland. Williams was not chosen as a reserve for the NBA All-Star team in a vote by Eastern Conference coaches. LeBron James and his teammates felt Williams belonged and took his omission as disrespectful to him and Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) reacts as he falls into the row of photographers on the baseline after losing a rebound against the New York Knicks late in the fourth quarter of their NBA basketball game at Madison Square Garden in New York, February 4, 2009. REUTERS/Ray Stubblebine (UNITED STATES)

Reuters

Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) greets director Spike Lee during the fourth quarter of the Cavaliers' 107-102 victory over the Knicks in their NBA basketball game at Madison Square Garden in New York, Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2009. James had 52 points in the game. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 04: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dribbles past David Lee #42 and Tim Thomas #2 of the New York Knicks on February 4, 2009 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** LeBron James;David Lee;Tim Thomas

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NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 04: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers jokes with teammate Daniel Gibson #1 against the New York Knicks on February 4, 2009 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** LeBron James;Daniel Gibson

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NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 04: Al Harrington #7 of the New York Knicks goes up against LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers on February 4, 2009 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Al Harrington;LeBron James

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NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 4: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots against Nate Robinson #4 of the New York Knicks on February 4, 2009 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** LeBron James;Nate Robinson

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NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 04: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers falls against the New York Knicks on February 4, 2009 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** LeBron James

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NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 04: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on against the New York Knicks on February 4, 2009 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** LeBron James

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