TRIPLE CROWN L.A. SWEEPS NETS FOR 3RD CONSECUTIVE NBA TITLE.

Byline: STEVE DILBECK

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - They were in control, comfortable, confident that something that was so familiar would once again be theirs.

The Lakers have done this before, and it showed. Stood at the top of the mountain, feeling very at home, feeling like they belonged.

Three consecutive championships. Three times called on, and answered. Three times people left whispering the same word ... dynasty.

This time the Lakers won like never before, with a swift sweep. Showing no mercy for the New Jersey Nets. Completing it like so much business that had to be taken care of, with a 113-107 victory Wednesday over the outmanned Nets.

The Chicago Bulls twice had three-peats in the 1990s, but no other team had managed to win three consecutive championships since the Boston Celtics won a record eight in the 1960s.

Now the Lakers are making a case for themselves as one of the great teams in NBA history.

``They are potentially a team for the ages,'' said NBA Commissioner David Stern during the trophy presentation. ``They are growing before our eyes.''

This is the Lakers' 14th overall title, their ninth in Los Angeles and the eighth since Jerry Buss purchased the team in 1979. And none ever seemed so assured as this one.

Even when the Nets came out aggressively, finally shooting well, taking an 11-point lead, desperately trying to make this a series, there never seemed doubt.

The Lakers have evolved into the calm in the storm. Whatever the situation, the difficulty, the current challenge, they remained ever in control.

They would regroup, fight back, take quiet command in the fourth quarter when it mattered, when champions step forward. When greatness is often demonstrated.

``I think we are a great team,'' said center Shaquille O'Neal. ``We've had a lot of tough times. I'd like to compliment (coach) Phil Jackson for bringing out the best in us.''

It was Jackson who coached the Bulls to both of their three-peats. Jackson, who with Wednesday's title, has now tied Red Auerbach of the Celtics for most championships with nine.

``I have great anticipation for getting back here for a 10th opportunity,'' Jackson said.

As the Lakers' heartbeats, Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant are both still young, capable of returning to a place that has become a warm post- season home.

Shaq was again the dominant player in the series, capturing his third consecutive Finals MVP trophy. He led the Lakers with 34 points and 10 rebounds, leaving with a host of Finals records for a four-game series. Still a giant in the game.

Kobe started slowly, hitting only three of his first 12 shots, but like his team, there never seemed any doubt he would be there when it mattered. In the fourth quarter he again stepped up, rising to the challenge, scoring 11 of his 25 points.

Kobe, who shot air balls in a crushing playoff loss to Utah as a teen-ager, is now mature beyond his 23 years. Three times already he has raised a championship trophy overhead.

``Three's been pretty quick,'' Kobe said. ``Went by fast, man. Unbelievable feeling to have three right now.

``The first one was a novelty, and felt good. The first one will always be the best. The second one, the adversity we had to overcome made that one special. We proved we belonged. This third one kind of makes a step for us as one of the great teams.

``Having a seven-game series against Sacramento, being down 3-2, it challenged us. We responded to it. It makes this one that much more special.''

The Magic Johnson-Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Lakers won five titles over a nine-year span in the 1980s. Jordan's Bulls won six in the 1990s. The Celtics captured 11 out of 13 titles with the last one in that stretch coming in 1969.

They were dynasties, the greatest teams of all time. And now many will want to add these Lakers to the list.

``A dynasty is over a decade,'' said Lakers forward Robert Horry. ``A few championships doesn't mean you have a dynasty. You just have a little corner.''

These Lakers celebrated their victory, embraced a third consecutive title, yet were careful not to downplay the greats of years past.

``We have a lot of respect for the history of this game,'' said guard Derek Fisher. ``Every guy on this team respects guys who came before us. We don't want to step over anyone.

``But obviously winning three championships in a row puts us closer to the top of the list. If we can stay healthy and set goals for ourselves next year, then you can talk about getting into the upper echelon that nobody else can touch.''

The Nets, young - like the Lakers were only a few years ago - were left pointing fingers, questioning the heart of teammates.

The Lakers were left back on top of the mountain, back with a feeling so familiar, they've grown to expect.

Back as a great team, planning on more greatness.

CAPTION(S):

2 photos

Photo:

(1 -- color) NBA Finals MVP Shaquille O'Neal celebrates Wednesday with Kobe Bryant after sweeping the Nets giving the Lakers their third title in a row.

(2) The Nets' Keith Van Horn battles Kobe Bryant for a loose ball Wednesday during the Lakers Game 4 victory in the NBA Final

Hans Gutknecht/Staff Photographer