it's always been a pleasure chatting with you about Lala land :)
But seriously, as I said Odom's foul was somewhat understandable. I agree if it wasn't in a sure losing game 4, and if it wasn't on Dirk, it would probably not have warrented ejection. On the other hand, I still think it was the right decision, because it sent a strong message. During garbage time, when LA had nothing to lose, any kind of provocation or even remote possibility of escalation would not be tolerated.
Lakers' problem is not skills/talent related, simply mind problem. They were their own worst enemy. Let's wait and see, what kind of drama emerges this time. Still remember that Delante West and LeBron's mother story? :)
Kobe is a victim of his own success. He's got away with a lot, but also he's taken in a lot. He's not driving as decisive as before. In commentatar's words - he's not aggressive enough to force the calls. What I don't like is he sometimes does it like the old Dirk, after a missed shot, flaring arms around, screaming and looking at the refs for a call. Dirk has reduced such acts a lot, Pau has failed back to that old habit, and Kobe seemed to take a wrong page on that :)