Barbara Boxer: “last Friday, as millions of Americans and basketball fans around the world watched on television and listened on the…”

“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.”