Joey Crawford's no-call on Brent Barry to end Game 4 is getting the most attention this morning as everyone points their fingers, yet again and rightfully so, at NBA officials.

Yes, it was probably a foul, but it happened on the floor and there's no telling what would have happened after that. Then, of course, there's the Derek Fisher shot that hit the rim which was seen by everyone else except the three officials.

Both of those plays were frustrating, but I'd prefer to look at the discrepancy in Kobe Bryant free throw attempts this series compared to the previous one.

The biggest issue facing the NBA is not flopping, although that's high on the list, but the inconsistency of officiating from game to game, arena to arena. Most games are called extremely close with way too many foul calls, others are called loosely and allow for a more entertaining pace of play. And far too often, games take on both these forms with the officials deciding to change their approach midstream.

It's terribly frustrating as a fan. I can only imagine what it's like stepping onto the court.

One player who must be exasperated despite his team's 3-1 series lead is Kobe Bryant. Check out his free throw attempts against Utah compared to San Antonio:

Jazz
Gm 1: 21-23
Gm 2: 11-12
Gm 3: 14-17
Gm 4: 6-10
Gm 5: 13-17
Gm 6: 15-17

Spurs
Gm 1: 4-4
Gm 2: 1-1
Gm 3: 0-1
Gm 4: 0-0

Kobe had shot under 10 free throws just twice in his first two series. He's taken six total attempts in four physical games versus San Antonio.

I think it's safe to squash any conspiracy theories that may be presented about the NBA's interest in a Lakers vs Celtics final.

I'll grant you that the Spurs play considerably more disciplined defense than the hack-prone Jazz, but just six attempts in four games is a joke. Kobe attacks as much as anyone in the league and it's fair to assume he was fouled at least once while shooting last night.

But as we all know, depending on who officiates Game 5 and what kind of attention getting mood they are in, Kobe will likely get 20 foul attempts playing the same style. That's NBA basketball for you. Where inconsistency happens.