By and large the Los Angeles Lakers over the years have been a dangerous team, but in different ways; in past seasons, they either lacked that big man in the middle or they didn’t have a true Jason Kidd-type point guard to direct the team.  But this year, they seem especially dangerous as the entire team is healthy and contributing; Thursday’s game against the Phoenix Suns illustrated that point as six Lakers scored in double-digits, leading Los Angeles to a 105-92 win over Phoenix at US Airways Center.

The Lakers went on a 14-0 run to end the first quarter and begin the second as they took a 32-24 lead on a jumper by Andrew Bynum; the Suns replied with 12-2 run themselves to go up 37-34, capped by a pair of free throws by Grant Hill with 7:05 remaining in the first half.  Los Angeles, however, would outscore Phoenix 17-7 for the remainder of the period, taking a 51-44 into halftime.

The Lakers would build their lead in the opening minutes of the third quarter; Kobe Bryant‘s basket would increase Los Angeles’ lead to 63-51 with 7:47 left in the period.  The Suns would twice reduce their lead to 8 before consecutive three-pointers by Vladimir Radmanovic and Derek Fisher gave Los Angeles a 76-62 lead with 2:21 left in the third period; Los Angeles would take a 80-67 cushion going into the final quarter.  Both teams traded baskets in the fourth period, sealing the deal for Los Angeles.

Bryant led all Los Angeles scorers with 24 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and a blocked shot while Radmanovic added 15 (including 5 treys) with 5 rebounds and 2 steals.  Phoenix was led by Amare Stoudemire with 21 points, 8 rebounds, a steal and 2 blocked shots while Shaquille O’Neal added 15 with 9 rebounds and an assist.  Los Angeles (9-1) plays again on Friday when they return home for a 5-game homestand to host the Denver Nuggets while Phoenix (8-5) remains home to host the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday night.