Kobe Bryant, Lakers Defeat Rockets in Western Showdown

Finishing up what may be a playoff preview with a final score of 111-82 makes a huge statement. But, what statement is it?

Are the Rockets as good as their roster suggests? Are they just not looking for a team rhythm? Did their play makers just not put on their best performance?

Or is it the contrary?

Are the Lakers better than everyone thought?  Are the Lakers the best team in the NBA now?

While all of these questions are surely being debated, one must also ask: Does one game against two playoff bound squads really speak loud enough to answer any of these questions?

I say "Yes!"

There is no question that the Rockets did not bring their best performance against the Lakers. While they certainly started off hot, the lack of performance from Yao and McGrady led to their eventual meltdown. With only 15 points between the two of them, it is clear why they could not keep up with the Lakers.

But, you can't take anything away from the Lakers. They played top notch defense and held Houston's superstars to sub-par numbers. The Lakers were a complete team on both offense and defense and virtually unstoppable for the majority of the game.

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