76ER QUOTES

“I’ve been in this a long time waiting to get this opportunity. I don’t know if we had won if I’d be any prouder.”

LARRY BROWN

“As great as I thought he was, I think this series showed what a complete player he is, what a great player he is. Each game, my appreciation grew for him.”

BROWN

on Shaq

“He’s the man who is 6 feet tall with shoulders 6 feet wide to carry this team to the NBA finals.”

PAT CROCE

76er president, on Allen Iverson

“It’s tough to go down, but we got a taste. We want to get better and we want to win.”

ERIC SNOW

LAKER QUOTES

“It’s just part of a dream come true . . . A lot of the year, we just messed around. The last 15, 20 games, we became a great team. I’m happy. I’m also greedy. I’m going to take a week off, come back and work out, try to get leaner and meaner and get another one next year.”

SHAQUILLE O’NEAL

“The first one is always very special because you’re proving to people you can do it. The second one, you’re proving it’s not a fluke.”

KOBE BRYANT

“There were a few bumps in the road, but it’s nice to have this thing back in LA.”

RICK FOX

Clutching NBA trophy