George Karl

J.R. Smith has the ability to drive Denver Coach George Karl insane. How crazy? "Love him," Karl said after Smith drove the Lakers crazy with 24 points, four assists, two steals and his usual trash-talking ways during Denver's 120-101 victory in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals Monday night at the Pepsi Center. Karl paused for about two seconds and smiled. "And I hate him," Karl said affectionately about the wild, combustible Smith.

George Karl stood with his back against the wall inside his team's hotel in Marina del Rey, his eyes darting when a question was raised about the officiating and whether it has had an effect on his Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference finals against the Lakers. Karl paused for five seconds to let the question soak in, to gather his thoughts. The coach cleared his throat and mumbled something, some of which was inaudible, some of which was uttered cautiously.