Lakeshow Bounce Shaq and New Look Suns 130-124 In Potential Playoff Preview

Kobe Bryant poured in 41 points, and the Los Angeles Lakers won their sixth game in a row, downing the Phoenix Suns 130-124 at US Airways Center in Phoenix, AZ. The Lakers got 22 points and 11 boards from forward Lamar Odom, and improved to 7-1 since acquiring Pau Gasol, who added 29.

In Shaquille O'Neal's first game as a Phoenix Sun, he looked fluid and agile and was able to contribute 15 points and 9 rebounds in 29 minutes, but the Suns just couldn't keep up with the Lakers down the stretch. Amare Stoudamire (37 pts, 15 reb, 3 blk) and Steve Nash (26 pts, 8 ast) played well, and the Suns outrebounded Los Angeles 46-33, but the Lakers only committed 9 turnovers and shot a blistering 56.5% from the field to help them keep pace.

The game leaves both teams at 37-17 on the season, tied atop the Pacific division, and tied for second seed in the Western Conference. The Lakers hold the tiebreaker though, as they are 3-1 against the Suns this season.