Kobe Bryant, Lindsey Hunter and Shaquille O’Neal posed with NBA hardware after clinching the 2001-2002 title in New Jersey. (Alex Gallardo / Los Angeles Times)
Phil Jackson has been Laker coach for three seasons and the results have been spectacular. Having Shaquille ONeal and Kobe Bryant, celebrating title in 2000, hasnt hurt. (LORI SHEPLER / LAT)
Robert Horry had two fingers up, but his game-winning shot against Portland was a three-pointer. (WALLY SKALIJ / LAT)
Shaquille O’Neal found little resistance from the Nets’ centers, including Aaron Williams. O’Neal averaged 36.3 points in four games. (ROBERT GAUTHIER / LAT)
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Robert Horry, left, and Derek Fisher were tough on Jason Kidd. (ROBERT GAUTHIER / LAT)
Kobe Bryant’s basket over David Robinson was the difference in Game 4 and set the stage for the conference finals. (GINA FERAZZI / LAT)
Shaquille O’Neal drew a three-game suspension after throwing a punch at Brad Miller of the Chicago Bulls during a game in January. (LORI SHEPLER / LAT)
Laker Coach Phil Jackson had his teams attention during Game 2 of the NBA Finals with New Jersey. (LORI SHEPLER / LAT)
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Injuries forced Shaquille ONeal to spend part of the season in street clothes, but he and Kobe Bryant gave Laker fans plenty to smile about with a third consecutive title. (LORI SHEPLER / LAT)
Ron Harpers late shot from the baseline quieted the Portland crowd in Game 3 two years ago. (GINA FERAZZI / LAT)