Los Angeles Lakers-Phoenix Suns: Highs and Lows from the 114-106 Laker Victory

In a Western Conference Finals rematch, the Lakers defeated the Suns Friday night to improve their overall record to 2-0. From the opening tip, the game was very exciting and fast-paced, as the Lakers played an overall stellar game. Below, are three highs and three lows from the Friday night victory.

The Highs

The Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom Show

The frontcourt duo simply dominated tonight's game. Pau Gasol finished with 21 points, eight rebounds and nine assists. Odom finished with 18 points, 17 rebounds and five assists.

In addition, the two combined to shoot 18-29 from the field in Friday night's victory. If Gasol and Odom continue to play this consistently, especially on the same night, the rest of the league will be ducking for cover. Not to mention, Laker fans may forget all about Andrew Bynum.

Stellar Bench Play

The last two or three seasons, the Lakers were always thought of as having a deep bench. I always thought this was somewhat false, especially with Andrew Bynum missing so many games.

I know it is early, but so far the Lakers may finally be living up to their deep bench label, with the additions of Steve Blake and Matt Barnes.

On Friday night, the bench contributed 25 points in 60 minutes. Not only did they contribute points, they showed good energy and hustle when they were on the court. Matt Barnes led the bench players with 11 points, while Shannon Brown had eight and Steve Blake had six.

The bench will look even more satisfying when Odom goes back to being the sixth man.

Kobe's Movement

During the offseason and into the exhibition season, much was made about the status of Kobe's surgically repaired knee. In eight exhibition games Bryant shot 24-85 from the field in limited minutes. Fans believed he may not quite be up to snuff due to his knee surgery and would be required to play shortened minutes once the regular season began.

In the first two games of the regular season, Bryant has averaged nearly 36 minutes and 26 points per game. However, more important than stellar statistics, is the overall look and movement of Kobe. In two games, he has looked like his old self as far as moving, running and cutting. He quietly had a game-high 25 points against Phoenix.

The Lows

Ron Artest's Shot Selection

Last season Artest received a lot of well-deserved criticism for hoisting up ill-advised three-pointers. Friday night against Phoenix, Artest went 3-8 from behind the arc. What was frustrating was some of the shots he attempted were very early into the shot clock.

Last year the Lakers fell in love with shooting three-pointers and it seemed as though Artest usually triggered the reaction. I don't mind Artest taking three-pointers within the flow of the offense, but the Lakers are too good in the paint to consistently shoot long balls.

Matt Barnes' Technical Foul

I am not upset at Barnes for receiving the technical, but I am perturbed about this new technical foul rule. I don't think I have ever seen a player receive a technical for something so minute. From where I was standing, Barnes simply dribbled the ball a time or two after being whistled for the personal foul.

I am all for players receiving technical fouls if they are deserved. However, it seems as though the league is using their power just for the sake of using their power.

What Is Eating Hedo Turkoglu?

I know this article is supposed to be focused on the Lakers, but what in the world has happened to the Turkish Michael Jordan? It seems as though his terrible year in Toronto has carried over to the beginning of this season.

There were times in last night's game when Hedo simply seemed either lost, disinterested or uncomfortable. Two years ago he was the best offensive player on an NBA finals team, now he seems to be declining drastically. Phoenix's postseason hopes most likely will come down to Turkoglu's performance.

The Lakers will try to improve their record to 3-0, as they host the Golden State Warriors Sunday night.