Injuries can occur in any season. But based on his personal history - which happens to be recent NBA history - Coach Phil Jackson theorizes that this 2001-02 Lakers team might be more vulnerable than most.

Jackson said Saturday that it was poor health more than anything else that led his 1992-93 and '97-98 Chicago Bulls to falter in the regular seasons before they completed their three-peats.

"It's basically the toll that 100-plus games a year gives to a team," Jackson said. "And if you've (won titles) twice, there's an attrition factor to that. It's a long enough season as it is, and then you throw in whatever it is in the playoffs."