Lakers vs. Suns

                                                                                         

Los Angeles -4 1/2 vs. Phoenix

It seems it is always a big deal whenever Shaquille O'Neal goes up against the Lakers. O'Neal usually has a lot to say about Kobe Bryant, Phil Jackson and the rest of his former, and perhaps, future team. During the buildup to the game O'Neal mentioned that he may like to end his career Laker. Pardon Los Angeles if they did not get very excited since at 8-1, they are doing just fine without him. He went further to say that the trouble that he and Bryant had were fueled by Jackson.

With the Shaq-Kobe-Phil drama the sideshow, the real story should be that the top teams in the Pacific Division are meeting up in Phoenix as O'Neal's Suns (8-4) welcome in the Lakers.

Los Angeles has moved on in the big man world when they acquired 7-footer Pau Gasol last season. Gasol helped power the Lakers through the tough Western Conference into the NBA Finals and is averaging 17.6 points and 10 rebounds per game. Andrew Bynum who was injured through the Lakers playoff run has returned this season as well, contributing 10.8 points and 8.9 boards per contest.

The Lakers suffered their first loss of the season on Friday to Detroit at the Staples Center but was able to bounce back nicely with a 116-109 win against the Bulls. In that contest Gasol eclipsed his season-high of 34 points and Bynum has 18 points, nine boards and three blocked shots.

O'Neal perhaps has done more talking that playing well this season. He has been fined twice this season, totaling $60,000 for hard fouls and altercations. On the court he has struggled at times, including the Suns 109-97 loss at Utah Monday night in which O'Neal had only one rebound for the first time since 1999.

The last time the teams met was the first time that O'Neal met the Lakers in the rival Suns' uniform. Shaq and the Suns lost 130-124. Overall Los Angeles has won three of the last four meetings. Phoenix was winless in both home games against the Lakers last season. This season Los Angeles is the lone perfect road team in the NBA at 4-0, while the Suns are a pedestrian 3-2 at US Airways Center.

InSpin.com

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