LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson has been slapped with his second $35,000 fine in two weeks after suggesting Oklahoma Thunder forward Kevin Durant had been receiving preferential treatment from referees.
Jackson, who was fined last week for publicly criticizing game officials after the Lakers' 100-81 defeat to the San Antonio Spurs, received another for comments made to the media Tuesday, the NBA said in a release.
The 10-time NBA championship coach, who is preparing the Lakers to face Oklahoma Sunday for the opener of their first round playoff series, was quoted by local media as saying: "I think a lot of the referees are treating (Durant) like a superstar."
"He gets to the line easily and often. He's got the ability to create fouls. That's a big part of scoring, to get to the foul line."
Jackson drew his first fine this month after criticizing referees for their treatment of Lakers forward Ron Artest, who was whistled for critical fouls during his battle against the San Antonion Spurs.
(Reporting by Jahmal Corner in Los Angeles; Editing by Ian Ransom)
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