The stage is set. And although the NBA didn’t get the Finals matchup they wanted (New York vs. Los Angeles), one of the media-drenched coasts will be represented.

The hype will once again be unruly. Special Finals apparel will be available; however, tickets are only reserved for the privileged few (see Hollywood stars and starlets and other “working people” with uncalloused hands). After a nine-year layoff, Los Angeles is back in the NBA’s main act.

The NBA’s hierarchy must be smiling. The Lakers appearance was nearly ruined by a better Trailblazers squad, whom many believe were dealt a raw hand. A hand much like the one that hangs at the side of Shaquille O’Neal, league MVP and popularity mongrel. How that hand — whole right arm to be exact — did not commit a bruising foul on Blazers swingman Steve Smith in the waning moments of Game 7 is a mystery.

I am not a weekly watcher of “The X-Files.” I don’t talk about the government in hushed tones. I’ve never even seen “JFK.” I normally reserve the conspiracy theory in sports for the whiny losers looking for a scapegoat. But something troubled me last Sunday while watching the game.

Before the fourth quarter ensued, the NBA ran one of its playoff marketing commercials, telling the viewers that the Finals were on the way. In this commercial, I saw only Pacers and Lakers highlights. This may seem insignificant, but mind you, Portland had a 16 POINT LEAD at the time.

From a marketing perspective, it isn’t very smart to run a commercial using highlights of the potential losing team. It also isn’t very smart to put all of your eggs in one basket. Almost all other commercials would divide the highlights between Portland and Los Angeles.

This one, before the start of the fourth quarter, was represented by blue and yellow from the Western Conference. Suffice it to say that something ominous was about to unveil itself. And sure enough, it did.

In the fourth quarter, Portland, who had been hotter than the Southern California sun, forgot how to make a field goal. The principles of defense also escaped them, as Los Angeles went on a 31 to 13 tear. The Trailblazers finally got their act together and staged a comeback.

But it would all be for not, as the officials looked the other way as Steve Smith lay bruised and battered on the Staples Center floor with under two minutes to go. Although the loss could be chalked up to a classic choke job, let me take you back a year where one can find another bizarre happening.

After the strike resolved, anger gave way to apathy for fans, all of which meant trouble for the NBA. The only thing worse than a ticked-off fan is a fan that says “NBA? Eh, I’ll watch some golf.”

To take a line from Bob Uecker and the movie “Major League,” “In case you’re wondering, and judging by the attendance you’re not …” The same could be said for the NBA. Financially, 1999 was a dismal year for the NBA. The league needed a pick-me-up. And they found it in the New York Knicks.

What is a better sports tale than the underdog who rose to greatness, despite seemingly insurmountable odds? And what could be better for the NBA but for that underdog to reside in the mecca of media that is New York, where hype is sure to follow every move the Knicks make.

With Knicks star Patrick Ewing sidelined, critics said it would be an early exit for New York and its exile-in-waiting coach, Jeff Van Gundy. But when Allen Houston’s series-winning Game 5 shot fell against the Miami Heat, Cinderella was born.

This group of young, fast-paced scrappers began winning interest and fans — not to mention games — the world over. By the time the Finals rolled around, Van Gundy and the Knicks had done their job, whether they realized it or not.

The fans began warming up to the NBA once more. The Knicks, of course, lost to the San Antonio Spurs, but this is after the damage had been done. Americans, if they didn’t need to, at least wanted to watch the NBA again.I hate to saddle up with all other fans and reporters, but I believe the 2000 NBA Finals will be won by the Lakers. Conspiracy theory aside, Los Angeles is the stronger team. Barring the results from Wednesday night’s game, Shaq should be his invincible self. After scoring a “meager” 18 on Sunday, the Big Fella’ will atone throughout this predicted quick series.

The Pacers might try to mercilessly foul Shaq, but in the end the quicker, younger Lakers (John Salley doesn’t count) will hoist their seventh NBA trophy since moving to L.A. So Hack-a-Shaq, Hug-a-Shaq, who really gives a Shaq, the Lakers end this quickly.

And if the series goes to Game 7 before the Lakers prevail, it’s nothing but a case of David Stern needing just a few more million in ratings.

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Paul Kix is a sophomore in journalism and mass communication from Hubbard.