HOT CORNER

A consumer’s guide to the best and worst of sports media and merchandise. Ground rules: If it can be read, heard, observed, viewed, dialed or downloaded, it’s in play here. One exception: No products will be endorsed.

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What: “Los Angeles Lakers 2001-2002 NBA Champions”

Produced by: NBA Entertainment.

Distributed by: USA Home Entertainment.

Price: $14.95 (VHS), $19.95 (DVD).

The crowd and the Sacramento King players were going wild. Too wild in the estimation of the Lakers.

“We were upset,” Laker guard Kobe Bryant says of the aftermath of Game 5 of the Western Conference finals, “because they’re out there celebrating like we’re done.”

The Lakers weren’t done, of course, rallying in the next two games against the Kings, then sweeping the New Jersey Nets to win their third consecutive NBA championship.

It’s the behind-the-scenes moments such as Bryant’s reaction that make this one-hour video well worth watching.

After a five-minute recap of the regular season, the video concentrates fully on the playoffs. And that’s where the league’s camera becomes the star.

New Jersey Coach Byron Scott displays his first championship ring to his players before the start of the Finals, telling them they will win their own ring together.

Late in Game 3, Laker Coach Phil Jackson delivers a strong message to his team.

“If they score, call a timeout,” he says. “If they score. Don’t let that happen ... please.”

The real star of the video is Shaquille O’Neal, whose comedic and emotional sides are on full display. One moment, he’s singing about the Kings’ Vlade Divac on the team bus, the next he’s tenderly holding his baby daughter after the last game with the Nets.

The DVD version includes extra features, including an interesting look at O’Neal career before this season and Bryant’s development in comparison to Michael Jordan.