FITTING CEREMONY FOR CHAMPS LAKERS ACCEPT THEIR CHAMPIONSHIP RINGS.

Byline: Vincent Bonsignore Staff Writer

When it was all over, after commissioner David Stern had turned Staples Center boos into cheers with his gracious tribute to the Lakers' latest NBA title, after Shaquille O'Neal accepted his third championship ring to the chant of ``MVP'' and the 2001-2002 championship banner was unveiled next to eight others hanging on the wall at Staples, only one person could put the Lakers' three-peat ring ceremony in the refrigerator Tuesday.

``On behalf of the entire Lakers organization, I'd like to welcome you back to Staples Center,'' Marge Hearn, the wife of the late Chick Hearn, told the sellout crowd as it rose to salute her with a standing ovation. ``This is the fourth year we've been at Staples Center, and that number four is certainly a magic number this year. Thank you for all your support and enjoy the game.''

And just like that, Hearn had tossed one chapter of Lakers history into the popcorn machine, and out popped a new one.

Can anyone say four-peat?

Not even Chickie baby, whose presence hovered above Staples Center throughout the ceremony, could have said it better.

Chick Hearn, who presided over eight other Lakers' ring galas over the years, was properly recognized Tuesday. Stern, after being introduced by ceremony host Stu Lantz, began the festivities by acknowledging the conspicuous absence of the longtime Lakers play-by-play man, who died over the summer.

``I'd like to say one more time, Chick,'' Stern said, ``Let's pass out the rings.''

Later on, a video tribute to Hearn was shown on the Staples Center scoreboard.

In between, it was time to remember last year and for Lakers players and coaches to collect their shiny new championship rings, which feature eight diamonds on the bottom of the ring bezel - representing the eight championships the team has won under current owner Jerry Buss - and six diamonds at the top, representing the six other championships won by both the Los Angeles and Minneapolis Lakers.

It's the third consecutive year the Lakers have accepted rings to start a season.

O'Neal, who is on the injured list and was not in uniform, drew the loudest ovation as fans, hopeful Shaq's surgically repaired big right toe and noticeably slender physique means a big year for the big man, chanted ``MVP'' after O'Neal's name was called out.

Considering reigning MVP Tim Duncan was in the building with his San Antonio Spurs, maybe the fans were warning Duncan he'd better enjoy the award while it lasts.

O'Neal said he already was looking ahead to a fourth consecutive title.

``That's what I was thinking about,'' O'Neal said. ``Getting another one.''

It's a long way to June.

Kobe Bryant also received a rousing ovation, as did Robert Horry, whose clutch 3-pointer at the buzzer to beat Sacramento in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals remained fresh in the fans' minds.

Even Rick Fox, suspended Monday for the first six games of the year for fighting with Sacramento forward Doug Christie, was allowed in the building to be a part of the party. After the Lakers got their rings, Randy Newman serenaded the crowd from midcourt with a rousing rendition of ``I Love L.A.,'' the Lakers' unofficial team song. After that, the latest championship banner was unveiled, the Lakers put their rings away and it was time to play the Spurs.

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Photo:

Lakers Rick Fox and Robert Horry examine their championship rings Tuesday night during a pregame ceremony honoring their third consecutive NBA title.

Andy Holzman/Staff Photographer

Box:

LAKERS vs. SAN ANTONIO