The Lakers made history on this day 11 years ago when they beat the Sixers 108-96 to claim the NBA championship with the highest playoff winning percentage of all time at 93.8%, according to Hoopedia. Led by Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles went 15-1 in the playoffs by sweeping the Trail Blazers, Kings and Spurs before losing just once to Philadelphia. Let's take a look around the league to catch up on the latest news and stories making headlines…
- With uncertainty surrounding Ray Allen's future with the Celtics, Boston may be best served considering the services of Jamal Crawford in its search for a veteran shooting guard, writes A. Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE.com.
- Matt Steinmetz of CSNBayArea.com explains why small forward isn't as much of a concern for the Warriors as compared to other positions on the roster.
- Thousands gathered on Thursday in Seattle to show support for the proposed construction of a new basketball arena to attract an NBA franchise, reports the Associated Press (via ESPN.com).
- Sam Smith of Bulls.com says the Bulls will work out as many as 50 players as the team's front office determines how to approach the upcoming draft.
- Derek Fisher's difficult season both on and off the court could end in surprising success for the veteran as he's played a major role for the Thunder since joining the team, writes Ken Berger of CBSSports.com.
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