Again, to pick him over Jackson, who ran better almost everywhere, risks black resentment.
He put the Lakers ahead 116-113 with 1:20 remaining in overtime with a 23-footer over Jackson from deep on the left side.
Indiana had one last hope, but Best's 19-footer over Jackson was off the mark.
It stood over Jackson, who lay on his back, staring up in a silent rictus of terror - the perfect sacrifice.
Romanello drew himself up to his full six feet three inch height, towering over Jackson, and laughed heartily.
The specter of a trade certainly hung over Jackson, the most disgruntled Knick.
But he doesn't understand the fuss over Jackson, the need to anoint him the greatest coach of his era.
Lewis may or may not prove anything Friday night with what is expected to be a conclusive victory over Jackson.
Lewis would continue his dominace over Jackson winning the first four rounds on all three of the judge's scorecards.
Late in round 5, Lewis would gain a second knockdown over Jackson after landing a straight right hand to Jackson's face.