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Shaq and Jack, together again! What better way to sum up the electric atmosphere in the Staples Center last night as Shaquille O’Neal’s #34 jersey was officially retired and hung from the rafters, right next to non other than #32, Magic Johnson! Shaq was honored at halftime and Phil Jackson gave a nice speech along with others. Shaq thanked his mother, his father, his six children, former Lakers owner, the late Dr. Jerry Buss, teammates, movie stars and of course, the adoring fans. The fan support was huge, many wearing #32 O’Neal jerseys. Kobe and company delivered on a victory defeating the Mavs 101 – 81. It was never close and it was important to Kobe to make Shaq proud! Of course one reporter had to ask why he stayed in the locker room at the half, trying to stir a pot that no longer simmers. It is all good people, they get along fine and Kobe had his mind focused on what he needed to do for an important must win game. Kobe finished with a triple double, 23 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists. Dwight Howard had 24 points and 12 rebounds and Pau Gasol added 14 points and 10 rebounds. Clark was huge for the Lakers in the first half coming off the bench and Steve Blake filled in nicely, starting in place of the injured Steve Nash. The Lakers are once again in the 8th playoff spot, tied with Utah. Seven games to go and counting…can Kobe Bryant and the Lakers deliver on that guarantee? I hope so!
In the earlier game, Carmelo Anthony scored 50 points for the Knicks (currently in the 2nd playoff position in the East) as they rolled over the Heat in Miami, 102 – 90. Both Wade and LeBron were on the bench in suits.
