[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 78 (Thursday, June 13, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S5544]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 SENATE RESOLUTION 286--COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE LOS ANGELES 
LAKERS FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING DRIVE, DISCIPLINE, AND MASTERY IN WINNING 
         THE 2002 NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION CHAMPIONSHIP

  Mrs. FEINSTEIN (for herself and Mrs. Boxer) submitted the following 
resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 286

       Whereas the Los Angeles Lakers are 1 of the greatest sports 
     franchises in history;
       Whereas the Laker organization has won 14 National 
     Basketball Association Championships;
       Whereas the Los Angeles Lakers are only the fifth team to 
     win 3 consecutive National Basketball Association 
     Championships and the seventh team to sweep the finals 4 
     games to none;
       Whereas the Laker organization has fielded such legendary 
     superstars as George Mikan, Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West, 
     Elgin Baylor, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Earvin ``Magic'' Johnson, 
     and now, Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant;
       Whereas Shaquille O'Neal won his third straight National 
     Basketball Association Finals Most Valuable Player award, 
     joining Michael Jordan as the only player to win 3 
     consecutive awards;
       Whereas Shaquille O'Neal scored a record 145 points in the 
     2002 4-game finals series;
       Whereas Shaquille O'Neal's 59.5 percent career field goal 
     percentage in National Basketball Association Finals games is 
     number 1 all-time and his 34.2 point scoring average ranks 
     second;
       Whereas Kobe Bryant was named to the 2001-2002 All-National 
     Basketball Association First Team after averaging 25.5 points 
     per game, 5.5 rebounds per game, and 5.5 assists per game 
     during the regular season;
       Whereas Kobe Bryant averaged 26.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 
     5.3 assists during the 2002 National Basketball Association 
     Finals;
       Whereas Coach Phil Jackson won his ninth National 
     Basketball Association title, tying the record of legendary 
     Boston Celtics coach, Red Auerbach;
       Whereas Coach Phil Jackson won his 156th postseason game, 
     surpassing former Lakers Coach Pat Riley to become the 
     winningest playoff coach in National Basketball Association 
     history;
       Whereas the Los Angeles Lakers epitomize the spirit of 
     their hometown with their determination, heart, stamina, and 
     amazing comeback ability;
       Whereas the support of all the Los Angeles fans and the 
     people of California propelled the Los Angeles Lakers to 
     another National Basketball Association Championship; and
       Whereas the Los Angeles Lakers are poised to win a fourth 
     straight National Basketball Association Championship next 
     season: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate commends and congratulates the 
     Los Angeles Lakers on winning the 2002 National Basketball 
     Association Championship Title.

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