For me its very clear that the league wants Kobe vs Carmello in the West finals. How else do you explain Kobe only getting a flagrant 1 for the Elbow and this BS call at the end of the game.
The same way you explain not suspending Perkins for a forearm in the chin. Kobe, of course, took a swing, but at least the league is showing somewhat of a consistency in calling those situations.