By Sam Amico

THE BAD DEBATE

I've heard the question asked on five occasions -- "Who's better, the current Los Angeles Lakers or the Chicago Bulls of the 1990s?"

I've heard NBA experts struggle to answer the question, some even saying it's too close to call.

I've heard one ESPN sportscaster refer to it as The Great Debate.

Well, I don't get it. I mean, I don't want to sound like a jerk, but where's the debate?

One team has won six titles, the other has won three.

Let's break it down for the gurus who still don't understand. Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls of the 1990s -- SIX titles. Shaquille O'Neal and the current Lakers -- THREE titles.

I became a writer mostly because I'm awful at math. But even I know SIX is more than THREE.

Now, let me say this. I enjoy watching the current group of Lakers more than the old Bulls. The Lakers aren't as flashy, and they are winning the old-fashioned way -- with a real center. I like how the Lakers can pound the ball into their big man and watch him go to work.

No doubt, these Lakers are bringing back the team concept.

But let's face it, the only time we should be debating this issue is if these Lakers win three more titles.

Until then, let the numbers speak for themselves.

The Bulls of the 1990s are greater. They have three more titles. End of discussion.

MORE LAKERS TALK

-- Speaking of so-called experts who really don't know what they're talking about ...

I am here to tell you that it's over. The Los Angeles Lakers will not win the NBA championship next season.

Oh, they might win a few more championships. But not next year.

I don't make guarantees very often, but I'm making one here -- the Lakers will not win a fourth straight title. Got it?

Let's face it, nobody in the modern NBA wins four in a row. Plus, the Lakers are too exhausted. They're worn out physically and mentally.

Again, allow me to stress that I have as much respect for the 2002 Lakers as I've had for any team in any sport ever. But they're going to lose in the first or second round next season.

Of course, this is coming from the same pundit who picked the New York Knicks to finish second in the Atlantic Division. So don't quote me.

-- Is it just me, or was the Lakers' celebration extremely subdued after their Finals sweep of the New Jersey Nets?

The players and coaches hugged, passed out a few high fives, and then ... nothing. There were no dances on press row, wildly pumping fists, or taunts of the crowd.

Even if you don't like the Lakers, you had to appreciate the professionalism of the entire team. Shaq, Kobe Bryant and the bunch have become very gracious champions.

-- Shaq made some wonderful comments after the game, including the one in which he congratulated Jason Kidd. Then he called Kidd, "The real MVP." Then he thanked the people of New Jersey.

Say what you will about the modern day superstar, but Shaq is proof that you can make lots of money, dominate your sport, and still be a decent citizen.

After watching the way the Lakers conducted themselves, I was proud to say I'm a fan of the NBA.

BARKLEY SPEAKS

Charles Barkley recently played in Mario Lemieux's celebrity golf tournament in Pittsburgh. Here are some of the things Barkley told reporters that day:

On if Shaquille O'Neal is the NBA's best player:

"Anybody who don't think that is an idiot. The only thing that I can see stopping him is boredom and injuries. Someday, he may be arguably the greatest player to ever play the game."

On the fact that Shaq can't shoot free throws (or used to not be able to, anyway):

"That lets you know there's a god. You know there's a god, because if Shaq could shoot free throws it wouldn't be fair. If he could, it'd be scary."

On Shaq again:

"He's good for the league. He's got another five dominant years left in him before age and wear and tear take over."

On basketball in general:

"It's not really a team game, it's a star game. When the game's on the line, the star has to take over."

On whether Michael Jordan will return to the Washington Wizards:

"Michael's gonna make his own decision. Michael's a grown man, I don't have to tell Michael what to do. He doesn't listen to anybody anyway."

On Kobe Bryant vs. Michael Jordan:

"Don't ask me those silly questions. Kobe Bryant's not as good as Michael Jordan. He don't have toughness, intensity. Michael Jordan's a whole different animal. Michael, he's like Tiger (Woods), he tries to kill you. Kobe's just real good. Michael's just mean and nasty about it."

On Charles Barkley's place in the game:

"I'm not Michael Jordan. I was really damn good, but I'm not Michael Jordan. I can live with that."

On whether he wants to coach:

"No. I'm back with TNT. I just signed a 4-year deal. I enjoy talking about basketball. It's fun. Then I take it to the next level and I talk about social things."

On kids entering the NBA out of high school:

"They're ripping fans off. The draft was designed for bad teams to get immediate help. When you draft a kid out of high school, he is not gonna help your team for three years. So the fans get screwed for three years. College is corrupt. They're not educating kids, they're making a ton of money on the kids. It's bogus to call them student-athletes. I'm more concerned about the NBA product -- which is a bad product right now. When a guy goes to college, he gets better."

DRAFT TIDBITS

-- Notre Dame's Ryan Humphrey reportedly improved his stock at the NBA predraft camp in Chicago. In one game, the 6-foot-8 Humphrey scored 21 points on 9-of-10 shooting.

Nene Hilario, a 6-11 forward from Brazil, also helped his cause, reportedly securing a spot in the top 15 picks.

-- It looks like the Houston Rockets will go through with draft Yao Ming at No. 1.

But I don't get it. Why not take Jay Williams? Why not have a backcourt overloaded with talent? Can you imagine a lineup of Steve Francis and Cuttino Mobley starting, and Williams coming off the bench?

Plus, it wouldn't hurt to have somebody push Francis in practice. Especially when you consider how many games Francis missed last season because of injury or illness.

At the very least, the Rockets should act like they're going to take Williams. It would give them more options to trade the pick, as it seems like everybody wants the point guard from Duke.

-- One NBA scout told me that junior college sensation Qyntel Woods "has no idea how to play basketball." The scout said that Woods has been compared to Orlando's Tracy McGrady, "and Woods does have that type of athleticism."

But?

"But he is lost when it comes to the very basics of the game," the scout said. Then he added this: "The sad part it, the NBA is filled with guys like Woods, great athletes with no concept how to play or win. (Sacramento's) Gerald Wallace comes to mind."

-- The scout also had this to say about Maryland forward Chris Wilcox: "Somebody is gonna use a lottery pick on him, and that somebody is really gonna regret it. Wilcox just won't be a very good NBA player."

YOUR E-MAILS

FROM KEN GASKA
Q: Here's a thought about Sacramento: The Kings have so many offensive weapons, but they still need a little toughness in order to beat the hated Lakers.

That's why I think Charles Oakley would be a great fit for the Kings. He can knock down wide open mid-range jumpers as well as anybody. He would also do well in their offense, which stresses ball movement and passing. Your thoughts?

A: Dear Ken, excellent thoughts. I couldn't agree more. If the Kings can get Oakley (a free agent), nobody would beat them. Actually, I don't think anyone will anyway.

FROM NICK ANDAL
Q: I guess the fact that Shaq could hit free throws and Sacramento couldn't comes down to playoff experience. Regardless, this was the best Western Conference championship series in years. The fact that ratings were up is fine, but if the NBA wishes to see a significant increase in ratings it should stop promoting players and start promoting basketball.

Basketball is a terrific game, only hindered by some over-regulation at the NBA level. Even so, there is still nothing on TV that I enjoy more than watching my favorite team. I'm not sure where I'm going with this, but I love the game in its purest form.

Each year the NBA seems to distort the game more and more. In conclusion, all I can say is ... if it isn't broke, don't fix it. Let them play ball.

A: Dear Nick, amen.

FROM MARK KURTER
Q: The Detroit Pistons drafted a 6-10 forward from Turkey in the second round of last year's draft. They are very high on him. What do you think?

A: Dear Mark, I think you mean the Pistons drafted a turkey in the first round in Rodney White, right? (Just kidding). The player you actually are talking about is Mehmet Okur, whom I've never heard of.

But I asked around and Okur apparently is a good shooter with great hands around the basket. It appears the Pistons got a steal (if they ever sign him).

FROM CRAIG RUDNICK
Q: I was wondering if you could comment on the future of Seattle forward Rashard Lewis. Seattle loves him, and he likes Seattle. But he seems like the kind of kid who would also like to play in a number of other cities. What teams want him and where is he needed the most? I'd like to see him in Golden State (not likely), and I heard Michael Jordan wants him in Washington.

A: Dear Craig, you're right -- a lot of teams would love to have Lewis. But after the surprising season had by the SuperSonics, I can't see them allowing Lewis to get away. Washington, Phoenix and Milwaukee have reportedly expressed interest.

The man more likely to leave Seattle -- power forward Vin Baker. He is officially on the trading block (again).

FROM JOHN FETZER
Q: Rumor has it the Milwaukee Bucks are willing to move their draft pick to the Lakers. Excuse me, but they ended up with Greg Foster in their last trade with the Lakers! Anyway, with (Western Kentucky center) Chris Marcus heading back to school, what do you think will happen with the Bucks?

A: Dear John, my guess is that the Bucks will keep the 13th overall pick. Players such as Indiana's Jared Jeffries, Missouri's Kareem Rush and Fresno State's Melvin Ely could still be available. Each could help soon.

BOOK UPDATE

You can now purchase advance copies of my book, "A Basketball Summer," on the Barnes & Noble Web site (www.barnesandnoble.com). Just do a search for my name and your chance to order it will appear.

I will be sending out the first e-mail of excerpts from the book within the next few days. So keep an eye out for "The Amico Report: Book Excerpts I" in your inbox.

Also, thanks to those of you who e-mailed and promised to buy the book. I'm holding you to it.

USBL NEWS

Former West Virginia standout Greg Jones was named USBL player of the week. Jones plays for the St. Joseph Express and averaged 25.8 points, four rebounds, and six assists.

Others considered: Kwan Johnson (Brevard), Johnny Jackson (Kansas), Ira Clark (Oklahoma), and no less than Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Jr. (Brooklyn).

Devin Brown of the Kansas Cagerz was named rookie of the week.

SAM'S SLAMS

Golden State's Antawn Jamison is reportedly on the trading block. The Philadelphia 76ers are said to be very interested. ... Golly, do I miss watching Allen Iverson play. Bet I won't be saying that this time next year if the Sixers get Jamison. ... Gonzaga point guard and possible NBA draft first-rounder Dan Dickau made 15 straight 3-pointers in a workout for the Orlando Magic -- and he did it in one minute! I can't even SHOOT that many in a minute! Of course, there's a reason I write free e-mail newsletters and guys like Dickau are about to sign contracts for millions of dollars. ... Good news Hornets fans: The team is expected to rework its uniform and logo for its move to New Orleans. The Denver Nuggets are also reportedly changing their logo. ... Finally, I wanted to say thanks to all of you who send e-mails. Even if I don't respond, I do read them, and I thoroughly enjoy seeing what you have to say. So keep 'em coming, and thanks for reading!

CONTACT ME

E-mail questions and comments to me at amicoreport@hotmail.com. I will try to answer questions in the newsletter, but you must include your full name.