WANTED: LAKERS COLUMNISTS.

Think of it as American Idol meets the NBA.

If you've got strong opinions about the Lakers and the NBA, here's your chance to tell the world what you see and what you think. Compile a column no longer than 300 words on the Lakers or the NBA and e-mail it to writeon(at)dailynews.com by Dec. 2. Be sure to title your entry and include your name and daytime phone number. Employees of the Los Angeles Newspaper Group and professional journalists are ineligible to participate.

Entries will be narrowed to a field of 16 finalists who will then compete head-to-head, March Madness-style, and all entries will be posted at dailynews.com unless they are disqualified because of inappropriate, vulgar or potentially libelous content.

Two pairs of finalists will go one-on-one on an assigned topic each week, with submissions running in Sunday's sports sections beginning Dec. 18. Four more finalists will appear each Sunday until a winner emerges 10 weeks later.

Judging will be done by columnist Kevin Modesti, Sports Editor Jon Clifford, Deputy Sports Editor Matt McHale, Managing Editor Melissa Lalum and by readers via dailynews.com. Online votes will serve as a tiebreaker only.

First prize is a credential and an assignment: Write a live, 400-word column on a Lakers game later this season at Staples Center.

So keep it clean, be accurate with the facts. Entries will not be edited for grammar, spelling or style. Mistakes and inaccuracies will be held against you. Be on time, meet the deadline or you won't stand a chance. And lastly, have fun sharing your opinions. We want your thoughts on the Purple and Gold and the rest of the National Basketball Association.

Write on!