PICTURE OF THE DAY

MORE SI PICTURES OF THE YEAR - SEE THROUGH NETTING. Lakers center Pau Gasol's face was uniquely framed as he rose for a rebound against Rockets forward Ron Artest on May 6.

"The camera was set up hours before the game on a catwalk at the Staples center. It was triggered by a button attached to a camera I was holding as I sat on the court floor near the basket. Having Gasol's face framed by the net is, of course, lucky, but luck favors the prepared!" -- Photographer John W. McDonough/SI