Q: We often hear debates about Michael Jordan vs. Kobe Bryant and who is better in their prime. But here's a new one. How do you think it would have turned out if Bryant, who is considered to be the best basketball player today, played alongside Jordan? Who do you think Phil Jackson would have used as his first option?
— Ed Pusung, San Diego

A: You're right. Only Phil could luck into that kind of backcourt combination. Their competitive instincts would not make them a good fit because each would believe he could make the shot to win the game. Not that they wouldn't trust the other to do it, which both had issues with for their respective teammates, but the makeup which allowed each to be a transcendent player would be too overwhelming. You can say Michael deferred in college, and that's true as coach Dean Smith favored the seniors and Michael would step back for James Worthy. But as established pros, it would be difficult to see either stepping aside. Their games would complement some since Kobe is a better shooter, especially from long distance. Especially later in his career, you could put Michael in the post and if the double team came throw out to Kobe for the 3-pointer. Earlier in their careers, Michael clearly would be the option, especially in the era he played in without zone defenses, since he could get to the basket better. But Michael did have to deal with the hand check, which Kobe didn't. Inside the 3-point line, you go to Michael for the winner.

Q: With the rise of the Hornets, Lakers and Jazz, does it mean the days of the Mavericks, Spurs and Suns as Western powers are fading?
— Jeff Stockton, Redmond, Wash.

A: Yes. That's another reason why this Hornets-Spurs series has been so fascinating. It's like we're watching a changing of the guard in one series. If the Hornets can prevail, it is a passing of the baton as Chris Paul begins to take away the dominance from Tim Duncan despite their position differences. Also, watch out for the Portland Trail Blazers with Greg Oden due to return next season and them getting still another lottery pick. The Suns have perhaps one good season left and I believe the Mavs are done and probably won't make the playoffs next season. The Spurs have a few good years left with Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili but have to restock around them to remain a title contender. The West is changing.

Q: When is someone going to press commissioner David Stern to explain how the result of the draft lottery occurs. It's held behind closed doors, with no video or journalists. That just leads to suspicions.
— Larry Simon, Scottsdale, Ariz.

A: If you believe in conspiracies, then why have the top picks in recent years gone to Portland, Toronto and Milwaukee? I have no doubt the lottery is not manipulated. The NBA does it the way they do just so there is no manipulation. Journalists are in the private room when the lottery is done. They are just asked not to write about it, but they can monitor the proceedings. And it hardly will pay a top accounting firm to endorse any fraud and face major lawsuits. The only thing suspicious to me is based on the results why anyone would think it is manipulated.

Q: Six of the top eight MVP candidates this year came to the NBA straight out of high school. Now that we've had two years to evaluate the age minimum rule change, what are your thoughts?
— Tyler ZoBell, Olympia, Wash.

A: I would like to add another year of college. It may not be better for the players to have to stay in college, but I believe it has hurt the NBA game in the last decade to have so many players coming in without any college experience. The skill level of the players today is so much better, as far as jumping and athletic feats, but the game was played much better 20 to 25 years ago. I believe this is because so many players have come into the NBA without enough experience and fundamental knowledge of the game. The NBA is a business and all businesses should be able to establish entry rules. You need a degree to be a lawyer. Why should you be able to just be an NBA player without anything? Yes, it may be unfair to kids who don't want to go to college. Too bad. The NBA has the obligation to protect itself and make its product better. One way is to require more experience. Yes, there are many terrific players who came right to the NBA. But whose to say they wouldn't have been better and bigger winners if they stayed in college longer? Someone has to be an MVP candidate. It's now just the best of the field. The field is not as deep as it once was. It also would help the college game seeing higher-level players in college. The NBA wants to increase the age requirement and I'm in agreement.

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