We all knew the Lakers were going to win the championship this year, right?

The Pacers did a well enough job to at least make us entertain the possibility that Los Angeles just could become the first team in NBA finals history to lose the series after being up 3 games to 1, thanks to their blowout win in game 5.

But, that game took place in Indiana, where the Lakers were suppossed to lose a game or two.

The bottom line is exactly what we - and everyone - knew before this series started: Shaq is unstoppable, but against the likes of old, unintimidating Sam Perkins and old, nearly-broken Rik Smits, it was even worse. Shaq might as well have been playing against high school kids. And while Kobe is fantastic now, and Glen Rice can still occasionally hit an open shot or two (when he actually touches the ball, that is), the Lakers' supporting cast is adept enough to play tough defense and hit most of the open shots Shaq and Kobe create for them. And, they did.

It's harder to hate Shaq now than it used to be. He's worked hard to refine his game and even Steve Wonder can see that he has extended his shooting range. Ok, just a tiny bit. But remember years ago when every Shaq basket was a dunk? He still dunks a lot, but now he's managed to create a variety of shots - close to the basket, but they're still shots - that make it nearly impossible to guard him.

And speaking of being impossible to guard, Kobe is improving by leaps and bounds. His game 4 was the stuff of Legend (Larry?) - how many 21 years olds have done what he did in the playoffs? He's not quite perfect yet, as his horrendous game 5 proves - and yes, we know that Michael Jordan was able to string games like the one Kobe had in game 4 together, back to back to back, but - I repeat - the kid is still just 21. Barely old enough to drink the champagne dumped on his head after winning his first NBA championship.

So, where does this leave us?

Shaq and Kobe will probably remain Lakers for many years. Shaq is already the most dominant center (and player) in the world, and how many shooting guards are better than the player Bryant is quickly becoming?

Oh yeah, and they've got Phil Jackson, who, while admittedly has been handed fantastic teams with elite superstars to win championships with, is definitely one of the best coaches around.

Sounds like a dynasty, kids.

While Glen Rice may not be around next season, his offensive contributions this season were inconsistent, and his defense didn't remind anyone of Michael Cooper (former Laker defensive guru), so while there are very few guys who can do what Rice did before he moved to the city of angels, plenty can contribute as well as he did once joining the team.

To be fair to Rice, it should be pointed out that the triangle offense, and his role as the third scoring option (instead of the first or second, as he's used to) did not make it any easier for Rice to fit in. And perhaps if he leaves the Lakers his big offensive numbers may return almost immediately. But, while L.A. definitely doesn't want to lose him without getting something in return, it won't totally deflate their championship dynasty chances if Rice leaves as a free agent with no sign-and-trade. It'll hurt, but the wound won't be fatal.

Stay tuned for discussion about which NBA teams should be able to challenge the Lakers next season.

InsideHoops.com
6/22/2000 
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