REIGN MEN

The Lakers had no sooner wrapped up their first NBA title in 12 years when a seven-letter word was put in play: dynasty. Because L.A. has two of the brightest young stars in the league in Shaquille O’Neal, 28, and Kobe Bryant, 21, the end of this championship season also may be the start of a long run.

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ROAD TO THE NBA TITLE

First Round

Lakers 3, Sacramento 2

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Conference Semifinals

Lakers 4, Phoenix 1

*

Conference Finals

Lakers 4, Portland 3

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NBA Finals

Lakers 4, Indiana 2

COVERAGE

BILL PLASCHKE

Insights gained from spending the better part of two months covering the playoff run. W3

J.A. ADANDE

The young guard hugs the big center and for Magic Johnson, it’s both a look at the Lakers’ past and future. W4

MEMORY LANE

The top 10 moments of a magical season. W6

STARTING POINT

The seeds of a championship were planted four years ago, when O’Neal and Bryant started with the Lakers. W8

THE OLD GUARD

Longtime assistant Bill Bertka savors the Lakers’ return to championship form. W10

THE NEW GUARD

Phil Jackson led L.A. to a title largely because he was not reluctant to make changes. W11

MONTH BY MONTH

Recapping the regular season. W6-11

THE PLAYOFFS

Series by series, game by game. W14-19