They Remember in Different Ways

In the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, tourists come to this city with one of two frames of mind. Some feel an obligation to visit ground zero, the site where the World Trade Center stood. Others feel an aversion.

In that regard, the Lakers are no different from any other group of out-of-towners.

For example, Coach Phil Jackson, who played for the New York Knicks, was not planning on viewing the place where nearly 3,000 people lost their lives.

“I’m not an ambulance chaser,” he said, “but I do understand people’s desire to go there.”

Kobe Bryant was planning on visiting the site.

“In some strange way,” he said, “going there feels like you are offering support and comfort to people who lost family there.”

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In an obvious mismatch today, Laker center Shaquille O’Neal, 7 feet 1 and 335 pounds, will go against New York’s Kurt Thomas, a 6-9, 235-pounder who seems better suited for a forward position.

But the Knicks have no choice since their starting center, Marcus Camby, is far from ready to return because of a torn hip muscle that has already left in him on the sidelines for three weeks, and maybe out of the Knicks’ plans permanently.

New York General Manager Scott Layden tried to deal Camby before Thursday’s trade deadline, but other teams remain wary that Camby is damaged goods.

That’s understandable. The Knicks originally estimated Camby would be out three to six weeks. After three, he is still on crutches and has decided to get a second opinion on his condition from an independent orthopedist.

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When was the last time you had to set your alarm for a Laker game? Today’s starting time of noon in New York (9 a.m. PST) is not that unusual for the Knicks. Half of their six Sunday home games this season start at noon or 12:30.

TODAY

at New York, 9 a.m. PST

Channel 4

Site--Madison Square Garden.

Radio--KLAC (570).

Records--Lakers37-16, Knicks 20-33.

Record vs. Knicks (2000-01)--0-2.

Update--In beating the Lakers in both their meetings last season, New York averaged 85 points. Latrell Sprewell and Allan Houston averaged a combined 48 points in those two games, 56.5% of their team’s total. O’Neal has only 11 rebounds in his last two games. Power forward Samaki Walker won’t be around to help him out today, instead spending his third game on the injured list because of a hyperextended elbow.