Three weeks into the NBA season and the "old" and " depleted" Suns are playing for first place in the Pacific division.

Shaquille O'Neal looks like a college kid again, and Amare Stoudemire is an MVP candidate. The two-time MVP, Steve Nash, is still running the point and '06-'07 sixth man of the year Barbosa is back in form. Throw in Raja Bell, Matt Barne's defensive savvy, and a veteran like Grant Hill, and yeah, I'd say that's a championship contender.

Tonight we find out if the Suns are ready to answer to critics: the first place Lakers are in town. Phoenix (8-4) jumped out to a 5-1 start this season, but Los Angeles (8-1) started 7-0. A rivalry that was at its best during the 2006 playoffs will be renewed tonight.

Regardless of the outcome, Phoenix will be a playoff-team this year, and all the doubters will be watching this season, hoping that this "old" and "tired" team doesn't make them look "old" and "tired."

Come on guys, don't ever count out Steve Nash and Shaquille O'Neal.