Vanquished SuperSonics Salute Their Conquerors, Pick Them to Win It

Magic Johnson walked down to the Seattle bench with 45 seconds left in the Lakers’ 133-102 win over the SuperSonics Monday to shake hands with Coach Bernie Bickerstaff.

“Magic asked me where the dance was,” Bickerstaff joked.

Magic didn’t really have to ask, because the dance will be held at the Forum, where the Lakers will open the National Basketball Assn. championship series against either the Detroit Pistons or Boston Celtics.

The Lakers advanced to the final for the sixth time in the last eight seasons with a 4-0 sweep of the SuperSonics in the Western Conference finals.

“I don’t know and I don’t care how the Lakers are going to do in the NBA final,” Bickerstaff said. “But I’ll tell you one thing, we gave the Lakers a good tuneup for the championship series. We made reservations, but they weren’t for L.A.

“They’re the greatest team in basketball. They got it done today. We tried everything we could to pull them off their game, but we just didn’t have it. And they took advantage of everything. They swept a pretty good basketball team.

“I don’t think we have anything to be ashamed of. I’m proud of this team. The Sonics are a good solid basketball team. I think the reason Magic came over to congratulate us before the game was over was out of respect for the games we played. Magic said that we did a great job. I think we’ll have respect next year. I told the team after the game that the future is bright for us. But we can’t come back satisfied next year.”

Maurice Lucas, Seattle’s forward-center who played for the Lakers last season, said the Lakers have improved since he left.

“I think they’re playing fabulous ball,” Lucas said of the Lakers. “They’re on a roll and they’re tough.

“Last year, we (the Lakers) cruised through the playoffs until the Houston series and then we got behind the eight ball when Ralph (Sampson) made a great shot (to eliminate the Lakers in five games in the 1986 conference final).

“Last year, the Lakers just didn’t have enough energy coming down the stretch. They’ve got more energy this year, and energy accounts for them being two steps better.

“And you’ve got a different group of guys giving up more energy. You’ve got James Worthy stepping forward as their leader. Magic has stepped over and given Worthy some room. And Coop (Michael Cooper) is playing well.”

Asked if he expects the Lakers to win the 1987 NBA title, Lucas said: “I don’t expect anything. What I do expect is a good (championship) series.

“I think they can take Boston, because Boston’s not as deep. If they play Detroit, I think it will be a fast-paced, physical series, and whoever wins will be the team that can last the whole series.

“To beat the Lakers, you’ve got to be just as good and you’ve got to be able to run the ball and play half-court offense.”

Seattle forward Dale Ellis said the Lakers are the team to beat.

“They’re playing great basketball,” said Ellis, who was held to just 12 points Monday. “I can’t see them losing in the final. We have nothing to be ashamed of because we lost to them.”

However, Ellis, voted the most improved player in the NBA this season, thinks the SuperSonics were the most improved team in the NBA and soon will be able to challenge the Lakers.

“I’m happy with the season I had,” Ellis said. “The future is very bright for us. We have a talented team and some great draft choices. I feel good about next year, and I know we’ll improve.

“I’m disappointed that the Lakers took me out of my game today. They played harder and did a lot of double-teaming on me. But now I know the things that I’ll have to work on during the summer to improve next season.”

SuperSonic forward Xavier McDaniel, who had 18 points and 6 rebounds in the season-ending loss, also expects the Lakers to win the NBA title.

“They’ve got the ability to win it all,” McDaniel said. “They’re capable of beating Boston or Detroit. They beat Boston twice during the regular season.

“If they play the way they played against us, they can win it all.”

Seattle captain Tom Chambers, who led the SuperSonics with 20 points Monday, said: “The Lakers are the best team that there is. I know that there’s not a better team in basketball. They’re a classy bunch.

“I think they’re going to win the title because they’re playing so well. I think they’ll win no matter who they play. I can’t imagine anyone beating them.”

Chambers, who had a poor series against the Lakers, said he wants to return to Seattle next season. There has been speculation in the Seattle media that the SuperSonics should trade Chambers.

“It’s difficult to read that stuff in the papers because it hurts deep down inside,” Chambers said. “But I feel secure. I’m happy to be here and be a part of this organization. This is the first time as a pro that I was sad to see the season end. I want next season to start tomorrow.”

Almost to a man, the SuperSonics said the Lakers should win the championship. And guard Nate McMillan probably summed it up best when he said: “The Lakers look like the Lakers of old.”

“If I were a betting man, I’d put my money on the Lakers,” said guard Danny Young. “They’re playing better than anybody else right now.”