Superman showdown

LOS ANGELES: Kobe Bryant is staring down the prospect of sharing the court with Superman again. Only this time, it's Dwight Howard and not Shaquille O'Neal who's wearing the cape that Bryant wants to tug on.

Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers will be trying to win their first NBA title without O'Neal when the finals open on Thursday against Howard and the Orlando Magic.

They failed to do so last year, losing to the Boston Celtics in a humiliating Game 6 defeat.