Lakers Lose Game 1 [David Stefanini]

Despite 39 points from Kobe Bryant the Lakers drop game 1 to the Phoenix Suns 95-87. It was a great game, which was closely contested throughout. The Lakers had an 9 point lead going into the 3rd quarter and a 3 point lead going into the 4th.

This series is not going to be an easy series win for the Suns as everyone has predicted. The Lakers match up well with the Suns, as they did last season when they had a commanding 3 games to 1 lead in the first round.

I said the Lakers would beat the Suns in seven games because the Suns do not play defense. The Lakers are banged up and are going to need a lot from Lamar Odom to have a real shot at beating the Suns. We all know we can expect Kobe to get between 30-40 every game, and probably one game of 50, but Odom is the real key.

He had a great game today getting 17 points and 16 rebounds. However those numbers were countered with 16 and 16 from Shaun Marion. Just like last years first round match-up, this series is going to be determined between the play of those two individuals. If Lamar Odom can shut down 'The Matrix', the Lakers are going to be in every game and have a very good chance at winning.

It is going to be fun to watch this series play out. Hopefully, the Lakers can come back and steal a win in game 2, to claim home court advantage.