espn.com Ali Contest
Conspiracy theories keep buzzing around the Lakers-Spurs series. Does the NBA really want L.A. in the finals again? What's actually at stake in the Tim Duncan-Shaquille O'Neal matchup? What do Kobe Bryant and Frank Sinatra have in common? Through it all, the Lakers continue to be the team that won't go away. Here's how they're doing it. ROSEN: L.A. STORY




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When it came to identifying talent as sweet as the swing of Rafael Palmeiro, nobody was better than the late Sam Lacy. That's how a young and impressionable Ralph Wiley first learned to appreciate Palmeiro. R-Dub's touching tribute to his mentor lends a trace of sadness to the occasion of Palmeiro's milestone home run.

The Water Cooler The Daily Quickie
Page 2's Brian Murphy wants to throw a party for the newest member of the 500-home-run club, but isn't sure what to serve. The Weekend Water Cooler wants to know how to celebrate one of baseball's least-interesting landmarks. Plus, why is Jack Nicholson turning into Everyman?
 What's tougher, winning "Survivor" like Jenna Morasca, or surviving the Spurs after falling into an 0-2 series deficit? The Daily Quickie eats some crow after the Lakers show their reign isn't over. Also: Raffy's 500th, a Derby Scandal and a salute to ... "Three's Company."

FINDING ANNA
Page 2 sent its crack investigative team in search of Anna Kournikova. A thigh injury kept Ms. K from making it through last weekend's tournament, but Jeff Merron's pursuit and ultimate discovery was well worth the effort.


So, a couple of college coaches sampled the local nightlife. What's the big deal? Athletes and coaches have been hitting the town for decades. To prove it, we give you Page 2's list of the biggest sports party animals of all-time:
10]  Billy Martin
Billy lived in ballparks and bars, and brawled frequently in both venues. "It's not that Billy drinks a lot," wrote Dick Young. "It's just that he fights a lot when he drinks a little."
9]  Max McGee
The aging, seldom used receiver took in the L.A. scene the night before the Packers played the Chiefs in Super Bowl I. But when Vince Lombardi called his number he delivered with seven catches for 138 yards and two TDs.
8]  Hollywood Henderson
Cocaine. On and off the field. Now a recovered drug addict, Henderson admitted that he often played high, like when, during Super Bowl XIII, he tucked an inhaler of liquefied cocaine inside his uni.
  • GET THE FULL LIST


NBA FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Monday Celtics 1 Nets 186
Tuesday Mavericks 2½ Kings 218½
Tuesday Spurs 3 Lakers 192½
Wednesday Pistons 1½ Sixers 182½
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.


HEY, RUBE
It's another May and another year for the Good Doctor to live and die by the NBA playoffs.

STYLIN'
The NBA playoffs are all about winning, but Page 2's Eric Neel salutes eight guys who are able to win with a little style.

AIRING IT OUT
Even though the Wizards are a laughingstock, Page 2's Gregg Easterbrook asks are they really better off without Michael Jordan?

QUEST FOR ANNA
Could covering Anna Kournikova's trip to the minors get any better for Page 2's Jeff Merron? Yes it can.

THE LIST
Have Bob Ryan, Larry Eustachy and Mike Price ruined it for everyone? Page 2's Tim Keown says church is in session.

JUNCTION GIRLS
In the spirit of "The Junction Boys", Page's 2 Jim Caple got his hands on a script depicting the life of Mike Price. Parental guidance suggested.
If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


It's USA Today's, "World's Most Famous Athlete," David Beckham, left, and *NSync star Justin Timberlake. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo.


NBA Playoffs: Nets at Celtics
8 p.m. ET, TNT
Could be the last game in Boston for awhile.
 
Monday Night Baseball
10 p.m. ET, ESPN2
Braves at Dodgers.
 
NHL Playoffs: Ducks at Wild
7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
Anaheim one up in this wild thing.
 
• Complete TV Listings


If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Fri., May 9: Finding Anna
• Thurs., May 8: Junction Girls
• Wed., May 7: Mr. Mess
• Tues., May 6: Hit the Road, Jack

Other featured content:
• Illegal Motion: Page 2's Scandal Detector
• Being ... Mr. Met
• What the Heck Are They Thinking?
• Page 2's 2003 Wacky Bracket
Monday, May 12, 2003
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