Lakers Vs. Suns: Shaq's Debut Don't Mean Jack

The Lakers played their new rivals, the Phoenix Suns, last night, who happened to be premiering their big acquisition, the Big Aristotle, Mr. Shaquille O'Neal. And it was one of the best regular season games I've ever seen. This game was INCREDIBLE. The pace never let up and it was played at such a high level, consistently, with such intensity from the teams, the coaches, and the crowds, that I seriously can only remember a handful of regular season games, if any, that were more exciting, compelling, or must-see TV than this game.

The game was played classy too. There were a number of times when altercations or ugliness could have crept in, but the game just played on. Kobe was insane, dropping 41 points on jump shots, nasty penetrations, reverse slams, and raining threes. Lamar was usual steady self and Gasol played like he had something to prove, and he sure did. This was a big game, the Lakers won and took the season series as well as first place in the Pacific Division. But the Suns were AMPED. Amare and Nash didn't even miss until the second half. But god what a game. The Lakers would be up 15, then it would get cut to 3, up 12, down to 4, but they managed to end it on a hot streak. Shaq played pretty well, I must admit. He looked mobile, blocking shots and slamming dunks like the Shaq of old, and he was willing to do whatever. He dove and took out a referee. He pushed Kobe for a rebound (seriously though, they looked legitimately friendly before the game and they also were very positive throughout the week in terms of press). He made big shots down the stretch. The Lakers were just... better.

This game really made me finally acknowledge the hype that's been surrounding the Lake Show since this trade: we can win a championship, this year. Kobe's playing so well that we should consider tearing ligaments in his other hand, Lamar has been incredible post-Gasol trade, Gasol has fit in seamlessly on his part, and the rest of the supporting cast has been stellar. I was amazed at how well EVERYONE played, including Radmanovic, Turiaf, even Luke (who's minutes are due to start really hurting when Ariza and Bynum get back). And we are missing two of our top 7 or 8 players, undoubtedly. The Lakers are versatile, long, hungry, and have a combination of experience and youth, veterans and energy. D-Fish is stabilizing the team and mentoring Farmar and Sasha. Our role players have blossomed into the best bench in basketball. We have two 7 foot All-Stars (or soon to be when Bynum is next year). We have the best closer in the game, who finally believes in his team and is playing better basketball than I've ever seen anyone play. When's the last time someone scored 41 points in the flow of the game? We can do this. GOD I'M EXCITED TO BE A LAKERS FAN. Those irrepressible smiles during games aren't stopping anytime soon... I never thought losing Bynum would make our team better, but god when he and Gasol and Odom and Bryant and Fish are starting, who wants to play us? NO ONE.