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Among the greats Lakers could rank with NBA's elite teams
Updated: Thursday November 08, 2001 7:07 PM Nobody has ever achieved a perfect postseason, but that could be in jeopardy this year. The Lakers, who haven't lost since April 1, have nine consecutive wins this postseason, and if they're able to sweep through the playoffs, they will certainly be elevated to greatness. We know about the two great players, Kobe and Shaq, but L.A.'s overall team defense has been the biggest difference. That aspect of the Lakers' game has gotten as good as it was last year, if not better. And their physical play is particularly surprising; they're pounding people.
Shaq, who throughout his career has been a bit of a gentle giant, has been as physical as Karl Malone on the offensive end. Malone always has had the reputation of being the toughest guy in the league with the basketball. But in these playoffs, Shaq seems to be saying, "I'm gonna get the message out real early." He intimidated the big guys of Portland and Sacramento, and David Robinson seems intimidated as well. He hasn't necessarily gotten to Tim Duncan, but when your star player brings that attitude to a playoff atmosphere, it's picked up by the other players.
Top three teams could shake up draft dayWhat's intriguing about the draft this year is that the top three picks could be traded. Throughout the years, the teams have kept them because they anticipate getting a great player. This year, however, because of the youth in the draft and the teams involved, it wouldn't be surprising to see some movement.
If Michael Jordan comes back with Charles Barkley, the Wizards will be looking for immediate wins. They're not looking for a five-year program. The Clippers already have so many young players that they really don't need to add another high schooler or young player to their mix. And the Hawks seem to be looking to go big and try to win this year. On a related note, some people may say the lottery was rigged for Jordan, but that's not so. It didn't happen with the Knicks and Patrick Ewing, either; the draft is totally on the up-and-up.
Pleasant surprise for MilwaukeeOne of the bigger surprises in the playoffs has been the play of Milwaukee's Scott Williams. He's been a significant part of the Bucks' success. He used to be considered a bit of a soft body, but he's built himself up, as has Ervin Johnson. When players bulk up, it can improve their confidence; they become more aggressive. Williams is making his jump shot, he's catching balls and finishing plays, and it's been a great boon to his team. Kevin Loughery is a former NBA player and head coach. He appears each Sunday on CNN/SI's This Week in the NBA.
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