Elliott Teaford, LA Daily News

EL SEGUNDO — Coach Phil Jackson drew neither a fine nor a reprimand from the NBA on Monday for his critical comments about referee Brian Forte after Sunday night’s victory over the Seattle SuperSonics. Forte ejected Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant in the third quarter after Bryant became upset about a non-call at the other end of the court.

Jackson suggested Sunday that Forte was in the league only because his father, Joe, has been an NBA official for many seasons. He also said Brian Forte had a quick temper, which might have been why he whistled Bryant for two quick technical fouls.

“I told him he shouldn’t jump on Junior,” Jackson said after the Lakers’ 111-91 victory. “His dad might carry a grudge against him. That’s nepotism in our league. That’s (Joe) Forte’s son. He’s got a little bit of (a temper problem) as we say.”

But when he was asked Monday about his comments, Jackson said he was unconcerned about a possible fine from the league.

“I can’t imagine why,” he said. “Why would the NBA fine anybody? No, they don’t fine people. They regulate basketball games. I thought Kobe was obviously upset, but he left the court (in a timely fashion) so that was good.”

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