Wheww! Payton/Malone just boiled over big time . . .

[TopCat]

18 assists between the two of them. If not for a blown Brian Russell layup, Malone would have dropped a triple-dub the first official night in gold.

I know the Mavs are an absolutely atrocious defensive team, and bulking up on such "defensive forces" as Walker and Jamison only gives them two more options who couldn't guard a chair, but on a night when Kobe doesn't play, and Shaq doesn't lead in any statistical category, who'd have thought the Mavs would have NO CHANCE.

Payton and Malone looked very comfortable together, and the Lakers have huge depth this year. Having Fisher, Grant, Russell, George and that Walton kid coming off the bench is worlds beyond what they had last year.

With the weapons that Jackson has this year, the depth, and Hall of Fame guys at 4 positions on the court at the same time, this season looks like a no-brainer. Shaq and Payton together might be able to do it, but through in all the other guys...

Payton and Malone looked a lot better than I had anticipated. This team is dangerous.

Oh yeah, if they actually get a healthy, motivated, mentally fit Kobe back in the lineup, forget about it.

[green machine]

Once KoME gets in there it will be one messed up team. He'll want his, Shaq will be dumb like usual, and the team will implode. I really look forward to it!

[TopCat]

Here's why that won't happen.

The ball starts out in Gary Payton's hands. Payton is a great point guard, and he's got more tools than he's ever seen.

Phil Jackson now has something he's never seen before, a dominant point guard.

The decisive runs tonight were all in transition, and mostly with the ball in Payton's hands.

Shaq and Kobe can argue about who's team it is, but my money is on Payton to orchestrate the team. He's the guy who's decisions will keep everyone in the stats column, and he will end up being the leader on the team.

This Lakers team is bigger than either Shaq or Kobe, and it will only take one of them having a great game to deliver...

[LegallyKenny]

I wonder what Kobe is thinking sitting on the bench as his team blows out a title contender without him??? Maybe Shaq was right after all.... I'm pretty much convinced now that the Lakers can win with a healthy and energized Shaq, no matter who else is on the floor. Last year with half-assed Shaq, but 30 ppg Kobe, they couldn't. I think it's time for Kobe to move on.

[ByJoveByJingle]

Shaq could not win an NBA title without Kobe.

Here's what we don't know . . . Kobe can't win an NBA title without Shaq.