[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 85 (Tuesday, June 19, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6455-S6456]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
STATEMENTS ON SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS
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SENATE RESOLUTION 113--CONGRATULATIONS TO THE LOS ANGELES LAKERS ON
THEIR SECOND CONSECUTIVE NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION CHAMPIONSHIP
Mrs. BOXER (for herself and Mrs. Feinstein) submitted the following
resolution; which was considered and agreed to:
S. Res. 113
Whereas the Los Angeles Lakers are the undisputed 2001
National Basketball Association champions and thus champions
of the world;
Whereas this is the second consecutive season that the Los
Angeles Lakers have won the National Basketball Association
championship;
Whereas the Los Angeles Lakers are one of America's
preeminent sports franchises and have won their 13th NBA
Championship.
Whereas the Los Angeles Lakers sealed their second
consecutive championship with the best playoff record in the
history of the National Basketball Association, and became
the first team to go through the playoffs undefeated on the
road;
Whereas this exceptionally gifted team is guided by Phil
Jackson, one of the most successful coaches in the history of
professional basketball, who led the Lakers to victory in 23
of their last 24 games;
Whereas the Los Angeles Lakers' 2001 National Basketball
Association championship was characterized by a remarkable
team effort, led by the series Most Valuable Player Shaquille
O'Neal; and
Whereas it is appropriate and fitting to now offer these
athletes and their coach the attention and accolades they
have earned: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate congratulates the entire 2001 Los
Angeles team and its coach Phil Jackson for their remarkable
achievement, and their drive, discipline, and dominance.
Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, last Friday, as millions of Americans and
basketball fans around the world watched on television and listened on
the radio, the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Philadelphia 76ers to
become the 2001 National Basketball Association champions.
This is the second consecutive year that the Lakers have won the NBA
championship.
No team has ever enjoyed a post-season quite like the Lakers. They
clinched the championship in five games, finishing the playoffs with a
record of 15-1--the best ever. They were also the first team to go
through the playoffs without losing a single game on the road.
Throughout the playoffs and championship series, one player in
particular came to symbolize the Lakers' march to victory: The Big
Man--Shaquille O'Neal. Because of his sterling play and leadership,
Shaquille O'Neal was named Most Valuable Player for the series. O'Neal,
of course, benefitted from a sterling supporting cast that included
Kobe Bryant, Rick Fox, Derek Fisher, Robert Horry and others.
Indeed, Mr. President, this year's championship was truly a team
effort.
While the lion's share of the credit for their remarkable victory
goes to the players themselves, I also want to acknowledge the
outstanding coaching staff led by head coach Phil Jackson. This is
Coach Jackson's eighth NBA title and his second with the Lakers.
I think it is safe to say that these Los Angeles Lakers are a
basketball dynasty-in-the-making, and I am delighted to introduce this
resolution acknowledging their efforts and congratulating the Lakers
and their fans in California and around the world.
Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate the Los
Angeles Lakers for winning the National
[[Page S6456]]
Basketball Association championship for a second year in a row.
The Lakers overcame internal conflict and numerous injuries to go on
to a remarkable season.
They put together a remarkable string of victories at the end of the
season to bring home another World Championship to the City of Los
Angeles, winning 23 out of 24 of their final games and going 15 and 1
in the playoffs--the best playoff record ever.
This Lakers team demonstrated what it truly means to be a champion
and represents the best of what the city of Los Angeles has to offer.
Led by the inspired play of Shaquille O'Neal and the coaching of Phil
Jackson, the Lakers swept through the opening three rounds of the
playoffs--easily defeating the talented Portland Trailblazers,
Sacramento Kings, and San Antonio Spurs.
In the final round, the Lakers faced a gritty Philadelphia 76ers team
led by the incomparable Allen Iverson. Iverson and the Sixers showed
tremendous determination and heart, handing an overtime defeat to the
Lakers in the first game of the series.
But as the series moved on, the Lakers outmatched the Sixers and
proved, once again, that they were the best team in professional
basketball.
This was truly a team effort: Shaquille O'Neal, the series Most
Valuable Player, dominated the Sixers on both ends of the floor,
averaging 33 points per game, 15.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 3.4
blocks in the final series.
With his unselfish play, Kobe Bryant provided the spark for the
offense--in game four, for instance, he scored 19 points, had 10
assists, and had 9 rebounds.
Derek Fisher, Rick Fox, Robert Horry and Brian Shaw made significant
contributions to the championship--each cooly made three point shots at
critical points in the series.
Horace Grant and Ron Harper provided the veteran experience that
helped the Lakers push back the 4th quarter surges of the Sixers.
And finally, Tyronn Lue, deserves honorable mention for his dogged
defense against Allen Iverson, especially in Game 1. Without his play,
the Lakers would have been unable to contain the speedy Sixer guard.
Once again let me congratulate the Los Angeles Lakers for their
victory. It was a great effort by a tremendous team.
I look forward to another winning season next year.
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