Historic title could put Kobe legacy with Jordan, Shaq

BOSTON: Learning from boyhood idol Michael Jordan and charting his own path without ex-teammate Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant could be ready to add an historic chapter to his basketball legacy.

The 29-year-old playmaker attempts to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to the National Basketball Association Finals crown by upsetting the Boston Celtics twice on their home court starting in Game 6 here on Tuesday.

The Celtics carry a 3-2 edge in the best-of-seven series so the Lakers would have to become the first team to win the NBA title after losing three of the first four games, a feat Jordan and "Shaq" never had to bother with.