May 18, 2000 SportsLine.com staff

L.A. LAKERS	PORTLAND
Ron Harper	Damon Stoudamire

1999-00 Stats G PPG RPG APG STL BLK 80 6.9 4.2 3.3 85 39	1999-00 Stats G PPG RPG APG STL BLK 78 12.5 3.1 5.2 77 1
Playoff Stats G PPG RPG APG STL BLK 10 5.8 3.8 2.9 11 6	Playoff Stats G PPG RPG APG STL BLK 9 9.8 2.4 4.1 3 3

Once he could soar and score with the best of them, now, at 36, his greatest attributes are knowledge of Phil Jackson's triangle offense, veteran leadership and being a good defender. The long-armed Harper could see some time on Portland small forward Scottie Pippen as well as shooting guard Steve Smith.	He's not the classic point guard in that he often looks for a shot before a pass. He averaged nearly 20 points a game in Toronto in his first three years in the league where he was the No. 1 offensive option. For the Blazers, he's the fourth or fifth option but oftentimes forgets that.
Breakdown: The players are extreme contrasts. The speedy Stoudamire is an offensive threat -- he led the Blazers in scoring against the Lakers this season (17.5 points a game). But at 5-10, 170 pounds "Mighty Mouse" is a liability on defense at times and that's why his backup, Greg Anthony, often finishes games. Harper isn't much of an offensive threat but can still tighten the screws on defense.

Edge: Push

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