Here at SS&R editor-in-chief Josh has done a really good job breaking down a couple of the more recent controversial fouls using pictures and sound arguments, as evidenced here and here.

Along those lines (barely) I present to you the following issue.

Wednesday night's playoff game between the Lakers and Rockets had a lot of excitement, frustration, 'chippiness' and tension as both teams had a hard time keeping their hands off each other.

Aside from debating the obvious flagrants, technicals, and ejections, I think there was one sequence of contact that hasn't been fully explored and that might play an important role in game 3.

I'm talking about the contact that led to Ron trying to get to first base with Kobe.

I'm sure some would argue that considering all the physical contact  that's been rampant during every meeting between the two players, Kobe and Ron are well past first and have slid haphazardly into second base.

But let's set that argument aside for now and focus on the evidence we have at hand. Follow me as I analyze the sequence that leads us to what could have been.

Under the guise of wanting to 'just' talk

In this extremely blurry picture, it is 'clear' that Ron both verbally and physically initiates contact with Kobe by signalling with his hand to meet with him so that they can 'talk'. In fact, he walks across court, away from his teammates, just so he can have a private moment (in front of thousands) with Kobe.

Overall, this approach is not bad for laying the groundwork to get to first base, but Artest's aggressive gesturing and his facial expression suggests more than just talking. Kobe would do well to be wary.

Invasion of personal space

I don't know about you, but when I just want to 'talk' with someone in a friendly, platonic manner I like to leave at least 1 foot of personal space between us (circumstances permitting). It is clear from this picture that there is much less than 1 foot between Bryant and Artest. In fact, Ron is blatantly touching Kobe. The picture show's Ron's left hand holding Kobe's left arm in such a way that makes it difficult for Kobe to simply walk away. 

And, while Kobe's expression appears to be one of interest in hearing what Ron wants to 'talk about, he is clearly uncomfortable with the familiarity that Ron is imposing. It's sending warning signals to Kobe. Notice Kobe's body position as indicated by the green arrow. He is not fully turned toward Artest suggesting that he would like to be able to walk away or at least create some separation. Conveniently, Ron's hand on Kobe's arm prevents him from doing that.

Lean in for the kill 

After a few seconds of 'talking' Ron clearly leans into Kobe for the smooch. With eyes closed, mouth partly opened, and his upper body leaning on Kobe, Artest unmasks his true intentions.

Luckily for Kobe, he doesn't fall for whatever 'sweet talk' Ron is pushing. Notice Kobe's facial expression. What was once interest has turned into indifference, or some might even argue, exasperation or boredom. In any case, this should send a clear signal to Artest that his attentions are unwanted. To add to that, Kobe tries to unentangle himself from Artest using his right arm to push Artest away and never leans in to meet Ron's advances.

Ron's approach doesn't work, but not for lack of trying

 Say what you will about Artest, he's not going to back down just because you won't meet him halfway. He's not intimidated, he's intimidating, as evidenced by the Rocket's logo shaved into his hair.

In this picture it is clear by Kobe's body language that he wants nothing to do with Ron's game: hands in the air to avoid anymore physical contact, head leaned back to avoid Ron's persistant pursuit, and continued look of disinterest/exasperation/boredom.

Contrast that to Ron's position: mouth still open, leaning toward Kobe, smelling him. He also has to keep his eyes open now to be able to try to make contact since Kobe obviously hasn't responded.

Eventually this one sided lovefest is broken up by one of the officials and Kobe escapes relatively unscathed, at least physically. But who knows what untold mental traumas Kobe could sustain with such unwanted contact.

More importantly, how will this affect game 3?

Will Kobe send the message that he is both literally and figuaratively untouchable by carrying the team on his back with a triple double?

Will Ron become self conscious about what everyone saw NOT happen and try to compensate by continuing the hot hand (with the basketball)?

Personally, I can't wait to see how this drama unfolds. Game 3 awaits. It's on TNT, and boy do they know drama.

GO LAKERS!