May 8
OK, the Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs are tied 1-1 in their Western Conference semifinal series. I may not be an expert like David Aldridge and Peter Vecsey and other guys who follow the NBA, but I have a question:

	Shaquille O'Neal was limited to 19 points and seven rebounds in Game 2 against San Antonio.

Over the long haul, how is anyone going to stop that freight train known as the combination of Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant?

So far the Spurs and Lakers have played two close games. Now, as Bryant said after Game 2, it's good to have competitive games to challenge the team. Losing at home may serve as a wake-up call for Los Angeles.

When it gets to playoff time, Phil Jackson always seems to have the magic formula. It was simple in Chicago, with Michael Jordan and his four cronies. Now in LA, it is the Shaq and Kobe show with three teammates.

How can you stop the inside-outside combination? Let's start with Shaq: When the money is on the line, this big, strong, power guy is unstoppable. Only foul trouble can slow him down, as it did in Game 2.

He is unselfish and does anything it takes to win. Shaq always seems to have a smile on his face, and he plays the game the way it should be played, with energy and enthusiasm. Allen Iverson could learn something from Shaq about being a team player!

You don't usually hear Jackson screaming about Shaq not showing up for practice (though he did miss one or two here or there and was fined accordingly). The point is, this isn't an issue for this winning team. Jackson keeps distractions to a minimum.

To have a chance against the Lakers, you have to shut down the complementary players. If Robert Horry, Rick Fox, Derek Fisher and Samaki Walker can hurt you, it is lights out.

When you look at San Antonio, Tim Duncan has been a consistent superstar all year long, as he showed in Game 2 with a monster performance. For a best-of-seven series, he just doesn't have enough of a supporting cast to win.

	I just love the Shaq and Kobe combination. They are my kind of guys, playing with enthusiasm and spirit, being part of a team.

It is one thing to win a game or two. San Antonio can't win four from the Lakers.

Jackson looks like he is on his way to coaching another champion. I just love the Shaq and Kobe combination. They are my kind of guys, playing with enthusiasm and spirit, being part of a team. That's right, T-E-A-M … T is for togetherness, E is for effort, A is for attitude and M for mental toughness.

I spoke at the Warren Village in Colorado, for a group that provides lots of love and assistance to people in need. I told them whenever you have a team concept, whether in the corporate world or athletic field, teamwork is what counts if you strive for success.

The Lakers are all about TEAM and success. Jackson has the special way of being in the right place at the right time.