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Lakers' stock is sky-high
after historic playoff run


SPECIAL TO ESPN.COM

June 18
Each week I will post my "Dick's Dow Jones" report on whose stock is up and whose is down from across the world of sports.

Shaquille O'Neal
Shaq averaged 33 points and 13.8 rebounds in the series.

Here's a salute to the Los Angeles Lakers, Phil Jackson, Shaq and Kobe...

The Lakers had the greatest postseason run in NBA history, winning 15 of 16 playoff games. Shaq and Kobe found out that they needed to play together and they did.

I get tired of people talking about Jackson winning only because of the talent he has. What coach doesn't win because of the players he has? It's the ability to get the most from that talent, molding them into a team, that counts.

Jackson has eight NBA championship rings as a coach. That says enough for his success to me.

Shaq won playoff MVP for the second straight year. He is simply dominant on both ends of the court, and when all is said and done I feel he will be regarded as the best center in the history of the NBA.


The Cleveland Indians were swept by the Pittsburgh Pirates. That was the first season sweep of the season for Lloyd McClendon's team, and I don't want to take anything away from them, but...

The Indians have Roberto Alomar, Juan Gonzalez, Jim Thome and company. Cleveland should not be swept by Pittsburgh.

Also, stock down to Phil Mickelson and David Duval. They just can't get that major under their belt. It was tough to watch Mickelson struggle on the back nine at the U.S. Open on Sunday.

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