The Los Angeles Lakers have swept the Denver Nuggets.  Most people expected the Lakers to win, but no one could have predicted that the Nuggets, a fifty win and very talented team, would get so summarily swept.

It has become apparent that the Lakers are starting to pull away from their Western Conference counterparts.  Kobe has become the leader the rest of the league feared he could become.  He looks primed to lead this tightly knit, effective unit straight to the Finals. 

Pau Gasol has erupted as an offensive force on the block. Lamar Odom has that look in his eye like he is ready to take his man to the hole every time he gets an angle.  Kobe is working in the triangle beautifully, taking his shots and most importantly dishing off to teammates he trusts. 

Phil Jackson's triangle offense has once again become the force it was meant to be, with movement and unselfishness. The Lakers bench still seems to be one of the best in the NBA using their energy and cohesiveness to sustain the solid play when the starters take a rest.

The rest of the West should watch out, because the Lakers are peaking and with Kobe leading the way it doesn't look like anyone is going to get beat anytime soon.  The Lakers have shown us that they can dominate games against a talented team.

And what's the scariest thing for the other teams left in the West? 

We still have yet to see the best of these Lakers.