Game Analysis: Suns @ Lakers

Key Laker players:

Andrew Bynum. He posted a career-high of 28 points on 11/13 shooting, with 12 rebounds. Don't forget that he's only 20 years old. Can anybody recollect the last time, a 20 year old center was this dominant? Obviously he still needs improvement on defense, but his offensive abilities are way beyond his years. Going toe-to-toe with Amare Stoudamire is no easy task. He catches impossible alley-oops with his tremendous wingspan, is one of the leading offensive rebounders in the game (he had 8 this game), and passes excellent through a double team. Another notable stat is that he's second in total dunks, and gets 98% of his points in the paint.

Derek Fisher. He's playing arguably some of his best basketball. He finished with 19 points on 7/15 shooting. He has one of the most reliable jump shots in the league. People forget he was the third leading scorer during LA's championship run. He is a stabilizing force both on and off the court. One can make the case that he has lead by example for this young Lakers squad. The confidence and poise of this veteran is seemingly rubbing off.

Kobe Bryant. He forced the Lakers' front office to make personnel changes. When it counts, he does it. He had a monster game with 38 points on 12/20 shooting and 7 assists in this game. With the opposition now having to worry about the other Laker players on the court, his game is more potent than ever. His elevation is the best it's been in years, making people forget that he completed knee surgery before this season. The difference between this season and previous ones is that his teammates are now making their shots, which means he'll be more generous about passing the ball. He had 7 assists in the game.

Trevor Ariza. The undoubted catalyst of this revived Laker team. Started this game. Attacks the rim with reckless abandon. He put a monster dunk over Grant Hill in transition that rocked the crowd. His individual defense and anticipation is excellent. Jackson is so confident in his defensive abilities that during this game, he was seen guarding several bigs, including Shawn Marion, Brian Skinner, and Amare Stoudamire. I wouldn't be surprised if he makes an all-NBA defensive team in the coming years with increased minutes.

Lamar Odom. Unselfish as ever. He didn't have his best shooting night in this game only converting 6/18, but he still has the ability to create his own shots when the Laker offense gets stagnant. A reliable defensive rebounder, and definitely not afraid to dive for loose balls. He can fill the lanes as well as shoot the three ball.