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	Was the Kings' Game 7 performance the worst Gag Job ever? Is Jason Kidd this good, or is the East that bad? What happened to Paul Pierce? Who was the undisputed star of the playoffs? What was the most disturbing subplot? And what the heck's the story with Doug Christie and his wife? The Sports Guy knows all, tells some. ANY QUESTIONS?

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	It's not easy to figure out what's trendy and who's on the skids these days in the far-flung world of sports. First of all, important things are happening half a world away -- and at ungodly hours before the dawn's early light. Who's got the energy to be hip at 3 a.m.? Well, Page 2's Dan Shanoff does -- and all you have to do is peruse his weekly Hot 'n' Not list, you lucky dog.

Chris McKendry		World Cup diary

	While some, such as Page 2's Bill Simmons, found strangeness and an abundance of unintentional humor at the National Spelling Bee, SportsCenter anchor Chris McKendry, who served as announcer for the event, was finding inspiration -- in two contestants, a girl with severe hearing problems, and another girl coping marvelously with a life-threatening physical condition.		A couple of days ago, he was worried he was turning Japanese. On Wednesday, he realized he was the only person in the Satellite Stadium press box who enjoyed Team USA's shocking upset of Portugal. What next for our wandering Englishman? Check out Day 6 of Michael Davies' World Cup diary, and find out just how confused a totally committed soccer fan can become.

MYSTERY PHOTO

Jack Nicholson's been a Lakers fan longer than most other L.A. scenesters. But we weren't sure if he was a bit confused seeing Byron Scott on the sidelines, so we need your help to explain this week's Page 2 Mystery Photo. Send us your captions and we'll run the best Friday.

You've already taken a look at Page 2's list of the top 10 former pro basketball players not in the Hall of Fame. Now we present our readers' top 10 list along with a poll to crown the No. 1 player who deserves to be enshrined in the Basketball Hall.
10]	George McGinnis "If George had been in the NBA his entire career, he'd be considered one of the 10 best players of all-time."

9]	James Worthy "There was no one smoother gliding through the lane or spinning off his defender baseline."

8]	Mo Cheeks "Not only was he the quarterback for a formidable 76ers team, he is No. 6 all-time in assists and No. 3 all-time in steals."

7]	Andrew Toney "You don't earn the nickname 'The Boston Strangler' without doing something remarkable."
	• GET THE FULL LIST

NBA	FAVORITE	LINE	UNDERDOG	O/U
Friday	Lakers	7	Nets	190
NHL	FAVORITE	LINE	UNDERDOG	O/U
Thursday	Red Wings	1½	Hurricanes	4½
Bold indicates home team \| Complete line


	Got a comment about something you've seen on Page 2? Here's your chance to sound off to the editors and columnists. Plus, if you'd like to send an e-mail to The Sports Guy, here's your direct link to Bill Simmons.

	EVEL DREAD Jim Caple celebrates the announced comeback of Evel Knievel by recalling the former daredevil's infamous exploits.
	CRITICAL MASS Eric Neel, a longtime Lakers lover, attempts to understand what it must be like to be a New Jersey Nets fan.
	CUP DIARY As Day 5 of the World Cup tournament fades into oblivion, the long, strange journey into Far Eastern sports nirvana is really beginning to get to Michael Davies.
	TMQ Gregg Easterbrook turns his attention to the NBA and the mindless hoisting of 3s, four guys swatching one guy use the "clear" play and the endless "clang" of bricks striking iron.
	ALMOST HEAVEN Page 2's Ralph Wiley says the Kings did nearly everything right, except beat the mighty Lakers.


	If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.

Bald is beautiful, especially modeled by Canadiens captain Saku Koivu, left, who made a beautiful comeback from cancer in the playoffs, and U.S. team 'keeper Brad Friedel, who plays the beautiful game. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo.

Tennis: French Open
5 a.m. ET, ESPN
Jennifer Capriati vs. Serena Williams in women's semis.

Soccer: France vs. Uruguay
7:25 a.m. ET, ESPN2
Must-win -- and by lots of goals -- for defending World Cup champs.

Hurricanes at Red Wings
8 p.m. ET, ESPN
No more taking Carolina lightly for Detroit.

• Complete TV Listings

If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Wed., June 5: Evel Rides Again
• Tues., June 4: Offensive and Boring
• Mon., June 3: Almost Heaven
• Fri., May 31: 'Roids all the Rage

Other featured content:
• 10 Burning Questions for Bill Walton
• Sportoon: Crowd mentality
• Guess the Footballer Quiz
• 10 Burning Questions for Jim Bouton
• Power Poll
• Being ... Mike Piazza
• Anna or Not Anna? The Penthouse Quiz

Thursday, June 6, 2002