The numbers back up Shaq's claims. Whereas he averaged 30 points per contest in the 2000 and 2001 playoffs, his output slightly dipped to 28.5 points. Meanwhile, though Kobe averaged 26.6 points per contest, a slight dip from his 29.4 output in 2001, the Lower Merion High School standout filled the stat sheet when it mattered most.

NBA veteran Lou Williams makes intriguing comparison for Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Replicating the Knicks, Pacers and Thunder won't be easy for LA. But each team offers something instructive for the offseason.

Tyler Rourke is a freelance contributor for The Sporting News. A sports journalist from Massachusetts predominantly covering the NBA, Tyler has a variety of experience with local newspapers, community television channels, and you can also find him on High School on Sports Illustrated. For inquiries, please contact sam@moreviewsmedia.com.

NBA insider reveals trade insight involving the Los Angeles Lakers and Portland Trail Blazers, highlighting potential targets.

The deep Oklahoma City, Minnesota and Indiana rosters are proving that in this era of aprons and attrition, depth isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.

Just weeks removed from getting throttled in five games at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves in their first-round playoff series, the Lakers find themselves with more questions than answers heading into a pivotal summer for general manager,