The Kings can run with anybody. They can shoot better than most teams in the NBA. They've got size, talent and skill at nearly every position.

And watching Sacramento in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals, it would be easy to forgive the 76ers for being envious.

Considering that the Sixers haven't had a legitimate shooter, nor have they been able to field three scorers on the floor at the same time in the entire Larry Brown era, one can surmise the admiration flowing westward from Philadelphia.

But even if the locals possessed credentials similar to those of the Kings, the result would have been the same as it was for the Sixers in last year's NBA Finals.

Because of Shaquille O'Neal.

Because of Kobe Bryant.

Because of supplementary parts that mesh like smooth-running gears, the Lakers will not fall. To anyone! Despite evidence to the contrary, namely a 96-90 loss to Sacramento at Arco Arena on Monday night, the Lakers are not fazed at all by the Kings' tying this best-of-seven series at 1-1.