With the NBA playoffs upon us, it's time for a thumbs-up and a thumbs-down!

THUMBS UP for SHAQ

	Shaquille O'Neal reacts to his basket in a key end-of-the-regular-season Pacific Division contest. Arvydas Sabonis, left, and Rasheed Wallace of Portland look away in the background.

Here's a salute to Lakers center Shaquille O'Neal and his free-throw shooting coach, Ed Palubinskas. He has worked hard with Shaq, and it has paid off. The big fella was Brick City USA, baby! It was embarrassing with the Hack-a-Shaq game plan opponents used to get back into games.

The game plan must now be put away since Shaq and Palubinskas have worked so diligently. In the recent game that clinched the Pacific Division title, Shaq hit all 13 of his free-throw attempts. That's right, he finally learned and understood not to place the ball in the palm of his hand. With finger-tip control, that helped; by the way, if the Lakers went all the way, the former LSU standout Palubinskas would deserve a full playoff share.

Think about the inside threat Shaq can be when opponents know they can't automatically foul him. He's going to make his share of free throws, and he has to like that feeling. Nothing but nylon is a good thing, stroking it like he did in going 13-for-13.

The Lakers seem like they are ready to make their move. Despite the dysfunctional nature of the team, I'll take the 1-2 tandem of Shaq and Kobe Bryant to win it all.

THUMBS DOWN for 'SHEED
The Lakers open the playoffs against the Blazers. Portland has been sliding down the stretch. One player who has really earned the thumbs-down is forward/center Rasheed Wallace.

How embarrassing has he been? Give me a break! The NBA is bigger than any one individual player, and that includes Mr. Wallace and his antics.

The league can't keep tolerating his behavior. The team didn't, suspending him for the final regular-season game. Wallace has been an embarrassment to the uniform. I don't care how talented and skilled he is as a player; his example on the court has been disgraceful.

What an example it is to young kids! The recent incident, throwing a towel in the face of teammate Arvydas Sabonis, was the ultimate lack of respect. It is really a shame because the players must look at him with bewilderment.

They have to wonder what Wallace is all about, technical after technical. To think he came from a proud program like North Carolina -- I have to wonder what a guy like Dean Smith, the Michelangelo of coaching, must think about Wallace's first-grade pouting act.

Grow up, Rasheed! You have been blessed with size, skill and ability. Nobody can question your talent, but everyone can wonder about your immaturity.