BOSTON — It isn't often that your dad is an all-time great, yet he is your second favorite player.

But at 5-years-old, Los Angeles Lakers forward Luke Walton had Larry Bird on a pedestal not even the great Bill Walton could reach.

"I was the luckiest kid in the world," said Luke, who used to attend many practices and games back when his father spent two seasons with the Celtics (1985-87).

"Me and my other three brothers (Adam, Nathan and Chris) worshipped Larry," said Luke. "He always played around with us. He had us chasing rebounds for him. He had us hide other players' things in the locker room. He was very funny."

Walton admitted that he remained a Celtics fan all the way until the 2003 NBA Draft, when he was selected in the second round by the Lakers.

"I just remember always wanting to see the Lakers make it and see the Celtics beat them because we loved the Celtics," said Walton. "It was two of the greatest teams ever put together, and now it's funny that I'm playing for the Lakers and we have the best record in the West, and the Celtics have the best record in the league."

Coaching edge to Jackson?

Celtics coach Doc Rivers didn't mince words when asked about the difference in coaching experience between he and Lakers coach Phil Jackson, who has won nine titles and is coaching in his 11th NBA finals.

"I've never been here and Phil has. He's not only been here, he's won, what, nine of them, lost one. No, there's no comparison," said Rivers.

As for the coaching edge this series, Rivers isn't ready to hand over the reins to Jackson just yet.

"I'm going to coach my team and he's going to coach his team," said Rivers. "Like I said last series, we couldn't match Detroit's experience. They've been through so many more than us, why try? I'm not going to try, I'm just going to do my job."

Slowing Lakers shooters is key

Rivers said one of the best parts about playing Detroit was that it will prepare his team for the Lakers.

"I think the two best shooting teams in the NBA are Detroit and the Lakers, and we just played one of them," said Rivers. "That poses problems for us. Getting back to (Antonio) McDyess, we made an adjustment, we didn't change our defense. We just made a better focus on getting back to McDyess, and we have to do the same with (Pau) Gasol."

Rambis: Glasses were chick magnet

Toronto Raptors All-Star Chris Bosh was in town conducting interviews for NBA TV and he caught up with former Lakers power forward Kurt Rambis, who is now a Lakers assistant coach.

Bosh asked Rambis about his famed glasses.

"Those Rambis glasses you wore were cool," said Bosh.

To which Rambis responded, "They were women magnets."

"Really," said Bosh. "Maybe I ought to get me a pair."

True greats wear rings

During yesterday's press conferences, one of the main subjects was the importance of championship rings.

L.A.'s Kobe Bryant: "It depends which club you're talking about. Are you talking about the Jordan-Magic club? If you want to get in that club, then you have to win (a lot of them)."

Celts coach Doc Rivers: "Yeah, clearly. Coaches are, players are, organizations are, there's no doubt about that. And hopefully that's what everybody wants. You know, obviously with our team that's clearly true, but I'm just saying overall league-wide, that's what you play for. That's what you should play for. Yeah, there's no doubt. That's why Kobe is viewed differently. As tough as people have been on Kobe, could you imagine if he had never won a title how tough it would be."

Celts Kevin Garnett: "I think it helps. Any player who's been above average, if not excellent in this league, it helps to have a championship on your résumé. It definitely doesn't hurt."

Soccer questions not welcome

International media members asked some strange questions.

Here's a question-and-answer session between Celtic captain Paul Pierce and a member of the Brazilian media.

"I'm from Brazil, and we are covering also the Brazilian national soccer team playing against Venezuela. I heard you were a great soccer fan. Do you appreciate any soccer players, Brazilians?"

Pierce said, "I got into soccer because of Kevin."

"The name of your kid?" asked the reporter.

"No," said Pierce. "I got into soccer because of Kevin Garnett. Before I wasn't too much into soccer, but because of him, I followed it a little bit. We had a chance to meet some of the players when we went over in London — or actually in Rome, and I had a chance to meet the Chelsea team over the summer."

The Brazilian journalist didn't stop.

"A Brazilian player, is there one you appreciate?" he asked.

"I really don't know. Names, I'm still learning. Come on, this is The Finals."

Postseason's greetings

Ex-Celtic guard Brian Shaw, an assistant with the Lakers, was asked if the next five days in Boston will be cordial for the visitors.

"I doubt it very much," he said. "This is Boston. And we're the Lakers."

Celts beat Lakers ... for Garnett

Phil Jackson said the Lakers made the best offer to the Minnesota Timberwolves last summer for Kevin Garnett.

"We gave a great chase to Garnett last year and put a lot of pressure on the Minnesota franchise, and felt like we had the inside track," said Jackson. "(It) is really kind of a great story in itself. Disregarding all the other things about the Celtics and the Lakers going back for the last 30-some years, 40 years. I think that's really an interesting aspect of it."

Ray Allen the mentor

Rajon Rondo credits Ray Allen for his improved jump shot.

Rondo spoke with Allen during one of their first informal practices after Allen was acquired on draft day.

Allen told Rondo to use his legs more and jump higher for his jump shots.

"It was like a one-minute discussion," said Rondo. "He told me he didn't want to change anything in my mechanics, just to stay consistent and jump every time in your shot. ... When you get tired, your legs go, but just practice having perfect form. That's what you condition for."

Old man Jackson

Lakers coach Phil Jackson is 62, but it is an old 62.

Jackson had his second hip replacement surgery last June — his first was in October of 2006 — and he still walks gingerly with the help of a cane.

After his first surgery he said he was considering retirement, but apparently a new two-year deal at $12 million per season convinced him otherwise.