LAKERS AT A GLANCE.Byline: Capsules by Howard Beck Staff Writer COACH: Phil Jackson
Philip Douglas "Phil" Jackson (born September 17, 1945 in Deer Lodge, Montana) is the current coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, an American professional basketball team. Last season: Became first coach in NBA NBA abbr. 1. National Basketball Association 2. National Boxing Association NBA (US) n abbr (= National Basketball Association) → Basketball-Dachverband (= history to win multiple championships with two teams; won his 20th consecutive playoff series, an NBA record. Kept Lakers together despite numerous injuries and Kobe-Shaq turmoil at midseason. What's next: He's going for an incredible third threepeat as an NBA coach. STARTING FIVE CENTER: Shaquille O'Neal Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal (pronounced "shak-KEEL") (born March 6, 1972 in Newark, New Jersey), frequently referred to simply as Shaq, is an American professional basketball player, generally regarded as one of the most dominant in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Last season: Began season out of shape, started slowly and took until midseason to regain MVP (Multimedia Video Processor) A high-speed DSP chip from Texas Instruments, introduced in 1994. Officially introduced as the TMS320C80, it combines RISC technology with the functionality of four DSPs on one chip. form. Dominated playoffs and was named Finals MVP for second consecutive year. What's next: Beginning season out of shape after toe surgery, and free throws again are a mess. No doubt he'll be in prime form by midseason again, but he's worried about effect of zone defenses. POWER FORWARD: Samaki Walker Samaki Ijuma Walker (born February 25 1976 in Columbus, Ohio) is an American professional basketball player currently signed with the Milwaukee Bucks of the NBA. [1] Last season: Buried on bench of San Antonio Spurs The San Antonio Spurs are an American professional basketball team based in San Antonio, Texas. They play in the National Basketball Association (NBA), and are the current NBA Champions after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2007 NBA Finals. What's next: Fifth-year pro gets the start but will share minutes with robert Horry Robert Horry (born August 25, 1970 in Harford County, Maryland) is an American National Basketball Association basketball player. Currently playing for the San Antonio Spurs, Horry is is known for his ability to make clutch shots in big games. and eventually Mark Madsen Mark Ellsworth Madsen (born January 28 1976 in Walnut Creek, California) is an American professional basketball player for the NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves. After attending San Ramon Valley High School in Danville, California, Madsen, who is a Mormon, served for two years . Brings an athleticism the Lakers haven't had at power forward in years. Also will be counted on as backup center. SMALL FORWARD: Rick Fox Last season: Reclaimed starting job and became a big-time defensive stopper, as well as steady 3-point shooter. What's next: More of the same, and again will be Lakers' most reliable starter (he's played in 290 of 296 regular-season games in last four years). SHOOTING GUARD The Shooting guard (SG), also known as the two or off guard,[1] is one of five traditional positions on a basketball team. Players of the position are often shorter, leaner, and quicker than forwards. : Kobe Bryant Last season: Overshadowed by Shaq but posted MVP numbers - 28.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, 5.0 assists. Missed 14 games because of injury. What's next: Came to camp stronger than ever, poised for an MVP season if he stays healthy. POINT GUARD: Lindsey Hunter Last season: Played key bench role for Milwaukee as Bucks battled to seventh game of East finals. What's next: Hustling defender and reliable 3-point shooter, he'll run the offense until Derek Fisher returns in late November, then become a valuable scorer off the bench. KEY RESERVES G Mitch Richmond Last season: With Washington, battled through knee injuries and fell victim to youth movement but averaged 16.2 points. What's next: Still a great 3-point shooter, he'll be the best bench scorer Lakers have had in years. F Robert Horry Last season: Re-established himself as a prime-time clutch shooter in the playoffs, tag-teamed with Horace Grant to provide gutty defense against elite forwards. What's next: He'll tutor Walker, continue to anchor Lakers bench unit and probably play fourth quarters. G Brian Shaw Last season: Led Lakers to 20-8 record as spot starter and provided spark off the bench. What's next: More of the same. He'll split time with Richmond, Hunter and Fisher in Lakers' deep guard rotation. F-C Slava Medvedenko Last season: Spent most of rookie campaign learning English and triangle offense. What's next: 22-year-old Ukrainian has shown promise, could earn minutes at backup forward and center. LOOKING FOR Looking for In the context of general equities, this describing a buy interest in which a dealer is asked to offer stock, often involving a capital commitment. Antithesis of in touch with. MINUTES F Devean George Outlook: Heading into final year of rookie contract and needs to prove he belongs. His athleticism is needed and Lakers will try to find him minutes behind Fox. F Jelani McCoy Outlook: Former UCLA UCLA University of California at Los Angeles UCLA University Center for Learning Assistance (Illinois State University) UCLA University of Carrollton, TX and Lower Addison, TX Bruin is a project player, destined des·tine tr.v. des·tined, des·tin·ing, des·tines 1. To determine beforehand; preordain: a foolish scheme destined to fail; a film destined to become a classic. 2. to be stashed on injured list for most of season. G Mike Penberthy/Joe Crispin Outlook: Lakers kept both sharpshooters (Crispin on injured list), but one of them will be waived once Fisher returns. INJURED LIST G Derek Fisher Outlook: Is nearly recovered from latest foot surgery and could return by third week of November. Should reclaim starting job when he's ready and provide gritty defense and outside shooting. F Mark Madsen Outlook: Recovering from offseason wrist surgery and an abdominal strain. Jackson loves his hustle, toughness and smart play and will give him minutes at forward and center once he's healthy. CAPTION(S): photo, box Photo: Clockwise from bottom left are coach and starting five players Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal, Lindsey Hunter, Phil Jackson, Samaki Walker and Rick Fox. Photos by Daily News Box: 2001-02 LAKERS SCHEDULE |
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