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Bryant Comes on Top

On Monday night, Shaq returned to Staples to play the Lakers for the first time sine December 2004. Last time, Shaq propelled his new Heat team to a victory over his previous team. That wasn?t the case on Monday as the Lakers snipped off the Heat? four game winning streak. No matter how much they try to deny it ? this was a huge game not just for Shaq and Kobe, but also for others who had something to prove. Coming into the game, LA has been playing exceptionally as of late, winning four out of the last five. The Heat has looked impressive as well, winning four straight on the road. Perhaps these are the two hottest teams in the league, minus Detroit.

Whenever these two teams meet there is always a game within a game. Other than the obvious Shaq vs. Kobe, there is also Kobe vs. Dwyane. Wade has a tendency of picking up very quick fouls against Kobe, so that could be a problem for the Heat defense. Dwyane got the best of Kobe in the first meeting in Los Angeles on Christmas 2004, making every big play down the stretch. His other games against the Lakers have been consistent, doing what he needs to do. These are two explosive players, both a pleasure to watch, and each rank among the top 5 in scoring.

The Glove has also an axe to grind with the Lakers who shipped him to Boston after one season. Payton had a glove performance on Christmas 3 weeks ago. Despite setting a season-high 21 points, and hitting the game-breaking three-pointer with just around a minute left, he hounded Kobe Bryant for much of the second half, forcing him to take a terrible shot which fell short to tie the game with just 8 seconds left.