Originally Posted by
Dark Horse
Too early to bury the Suns. Suns are back to preseason mode; having to fit in too many new pieces since the December megatrade. That makes them look worse than they are, because they're up against teams already two months into their season. Carter, Gortat, and Pietrus also don't have the conditioning (yet) necessary for the Suns running and gunning. They can only start playing better from here, and should have a better idea of who and where they are around the ASB.
Lakers are in a very different boat. They already know who they are. Their problem is to stay interested, with the Suns, as nearest contender in their division, already back 8.5 games.
The Suns beat the Lakers in LA earlier this season, but that was still with JRich, and a franchise tying record number of 3 pointers (22 of 40!).
With this being a division game, the disinterested Lakers, coming off an expected blowout last night over Detroit (expected, because Jackson called out Kobe and team through the media) may be able to motivate themselves for a second night in a row. I'm staying away from this one, however.