They Have Learned How to Finish

Since their 33-point loss at Indiana in Game 5 of the NBA Finals last season, the Lakers are 4-0 in close-out games, a run that brings them to tonight, Game 5 against the Philadelphia 76ers, with nothing more on the line than their second consecutive NBA title.

In the Western Conference segment of their romp to the brink of repeating, the Lakers won their three elimination games by an average of 16 points.

“We feel like we matured so much this season that it’s very difficult for us to imagine coming in for a Game 5 situation and having a letdown like we had last year,” Kobe Bryant said. “Last year, we couldn’t wait to be champions. We were looking forward to being champions before the game even started. I think we kind of got ahead of ourselves.”

In two of the three games this postseason, Bryant has led the team in assists. In the other, against Sacramento, he scored 48 points.

“We’ve been pretty good at close-out games this year,” Shaquille O’Neal said. “You know, we’re a different team this year, a more veteran, savvy team. I know my guys are going to be ready.

“We’ve learned how to take care of business. We’ve been sticking to the script.”

Two of their three previous series--against Portland and Sacramento--were clinched on the road.

“Closing out teams is not easy,” Laker Coach Phil Jackson said. “Players have to play in the moment and be really clear in their intentions. A lot of times diversions, or thoughts, intrude upon their games.

“That’s very important that they remain in the moment and goal oriented and not think about the fact this is a final game, this is a chance to win it.”

Ron Harper said that it would be up to the Lakers, no matter how the 76ers played.

“It might go back [to Los Angeles],” he said. “It could. But if we keep doing our job, no, it won’t.”

One of the memories from last season’s championship was the celebration, the veteran Harper in Jackson’s arms, Harper saying, “Can I retire now?” and Jackson responding, “No. Give me one more year.”

Harper said he’d give it another try, if the situation arises.

“If we win [tonight], I’m going to go up and hug him again and ask him, ‘Can I retire now?’ This year, he’ll probably say, ‘Please do.’ ”

Bryant was asked if he ever thinks about a Laker dynasty, pushed along by him and O’Neal.

“Sometimes, when I go to sleep at night, I start dreaming a little bit,” Bryant said. “All that’s fine. All that seems well right now. And we’re happy to be winning until next January when people start talking about trading one of us.”

He laughed.