For LA, it's the LO show!

Cleveland, OH

The scene was set with the leagues top two talents set to face off for an epic matchup. Lebron James has led his team to a perfect 23-0 at home with the best record in the East. Kobe Bryant, the reigning league MVP, managed his team to a league best record and an even more impressive 5-0 on their current road trip. After the Lakers big win in Boston over the reigning champs on Thursday, this had to be the biggest billed game of the regular season. With the Lakers road win streak on the line vs the Cavaliers home streak of their own, it wasn't the big two that decided this one. The difference in Sunday afternoons 101-91 Laker win was Lamar Odom. The Lakers forward, my leading pick for NBA Sixth man of the year, came on strong when it counted. Lakers star Kobe Bryant was severely hampered by flu like symptoms throughout the game, even receiving an IV during halftime. It was no matter however,  to LO who single handily took over the game in the third quarter, carrying the team on his broad shoulders. Odom scored 15 of the Lakers 31 points and had 10 rebounds in that frame. He finished with a season hig in both points and boards at 28 and 17. In the absence of Los Angeles big man Andrew Bynum, out with a torn right ACL, the play of Odom has been the biggest question. The answer has been consistent play and an increase in scoring. Lamar had averaged 9.7 points this season coming mostly off the bench, in the four games since Bynum's injury Lamar is averaging just a hair under 17 points. In today's game Lamar led an impressive Lakers front court to outscore Cleveland 62-24 in the paint. I have to believe this Lakers team is so deep that even if Bynum couldn't return they would be the favorites to win the title. 

The Cleveland Cavaliers are probably not getting as much respect as they should. All the talk in the East is about Boston, it is the Cavs though, that have a better record still (39-10 vs 42-11). It is the Cavs that only today lost their first home game of the season, and to the leagues best team at that. Lebron James played one of his poorest games of the season scoring wise (16) but still managed to come away two rebounds short of a triple double. Cleveland F Sasha Pavlovic injured his ankle in the first quarter and did not return and the Cavs also played without Delonte West who suffered a broken wrist on Jan. 15th. On the upside was a strong showing from Zydrunas Ilgauskas who scored 22 and the recently All-Star snubbed Mo Williams. Williams also just missed a triple double with 19 points, 12 dimes, and 8 rebounds. This Cavaliers team is still poised to make a strong run through the playoffs, especially getting back key components from injury. They should challenge the Celtics for the Eastern Conference title. 

I was a little disheartened by a large number of Celeveland fans that headed for the exits in the final minutes of the game. The Cleveland fans are one of the most racous bunches in the NBA, they are also noted as being very intelligent fans at the Q. For this reason alone, I was upset that more of the fans left in what appeared to me as real disappointment and didn't stick around to celebrate their teams wonderful run of almost making it to the All-Star break without a loss. I will point out, I wouldn't expect much better from my fellow Los Angeles fans who are equally spoiled and finicky. 

Los Angeles fans should get it together and gear up for a long playoff season again this year. Tonight was the prime example of a balanced game they've been looking for. Every Laker that played but Chris Mihm scored, and all starters aside from Luke Walton (7) scored in double figures. Pau gasol continues to be the most consistent Laker with 18, 12, and six and the sudden emergence of Lamar should push this team to the next level. It's actually quite scary, even as a lifelong fan to see how good this team could potentially be. Los Angeles continues to play solid offensively and protects the ball, turning it over just six times today. The Lakers have really stepped up their physical play as of late as well. This is gearing up to be a strong team in second season. LA now has a day off to travel and then host the 12-38 Oklahoma City Thunder. By the way, they have the ugliest uni's in the association.