Kobe Bryant began an interview before television cameras. Then he paused to take off his hat.

"I don't want to become the second Laker to get fined today," the guard cracked Thursday, knowing how sensitive the NBA has become regarding his team.

The one who got fined Thursday was coach Phil Jackson. He was docked $50,000 by the NBA, and his Los Angeles Lakers were fined $50,000 for comments Jackson made regarding the league's recent review of several incidents involving Bryant, primarily calling it a "witch hunt."

"It's never fun to face that kind of music," Jackson said. "It's demeaning. It's humiliating. It's not a just cause. There's no stances you can take. So there's nothing you can do but just swallow your pride and go on."

Bryant has received two one- game suspensions in the past two months for hitting players in the face after shooting. The league this week retroactively assessed Bryant with a flagrant foul for an elbow last week to Philadelphia's Kyle Korver, a play on which a foul wasn't called.

"He's just standing up for his player, and I really appreciate it," Bryant said of Jackson.

Bryant was asked his thoughts on the penalties assessed against him and on Stu Jackson, the league's discipline czar, being critical of Bryant's actions.

"I can't say anything about it without saying something inflammatory," Bryant said. "I'd rather just leave it alone."

Phil Jackson believes the NBA is unfairly singling out Bryant. He said if the league uses "videotape and watching a player's isolated situations" on any of the top players that "you'll see a lot of activity out there."

The fine surprised Jackson.

"I thought you only got fined for criticizing the officiating," Jackson said. "They're the sacred cows. But I find out somebody else has a sacred cow somewhere else."

Nuggets coach George Karl wasn't as surprised.

"I think I got suspended two games (last season) for saying something about makeup calls," Karl said. "I'm sympathetic, but I also kind of feel I deserve some company."