The middle of February isn't usually a time when anything in the sports world is very interesting.  In my circle of "friends" the popular thing to say is that the NBA is boring, nobody tries, and they're all sell-outs.  There are a lot of sell-outs and some games are boring but that's why we don't watch the Knicks.

The recent moves in the Western Conference have put the NBA back on the map in the middle of the "boring" regular season.  Pau Gasol to the Lakers, Shaquille O'neal to the Suns, Jason Kidd to the Mavericks, Lorenzen Wright to the Kings.

The Lakers 130-124 victory tonight over the Suns, in Shaq's (15pt. 9reb.) debut with the team, had the makings of a mid-June, seven-game playoff series. 

I have to pay respect by talking about Kobe Bryant first.  He played out of his mind.  But that really isn't anything new. 

In this back and forth game the focus was all on Shaq who got better and stronger as the game went on.  The self-proclaimed "Big Cactus" lived up to his promise of making Amare Stoudamire better.  Stoudamire was able to pick up 37 points and 15 rebounds while all the Laker's big men were focused on Shaq.  When Shaq was not double teamed he took it right to Gasol and when they put two on him he made others better.  

Behind all the Kobe and Shaq drama Gasol quietly kept the Lakers in it.  Gasol was  clearly the best acquisition by any team before the trade deadline.  He is the dominating big man that the Lakers needed to stay competitive in the West.  If Kobe doesn't have surgery and Bynum comes back then both these teams look like serious contenders for the Western Conference title.

Not as impressive out West was Jason Kidd's return to the Mavericks.  The former Net had five assists, eight points, six turnovers and had Mavs fans wondering where Devin Harris went.  Kidd and his teammates were outplayed by Chris Paul and the up-and-coming Hornets.  So basically, Chris Paul is a total stud and we'll just have to wait and see with Kidd.  Mavs owner Mark Cuban is still bitter he let Nash get away.

Oh yeah, and the Spurs play basketball in the Western Conference too.  The Warriors should suprise some people again this season.  It'll be an interesting second half.  Big Al and the Timberwolves are the best non-factor out there.

In other news there are teams that play out East too!!!  The team Dwayne Wade is on is horrible so that isn't interesting.  So basically its Celtics and Cavs.  Snooze factory.  Everyone knows the Pistons will take it anyways.  In the end whoever wins the East has to eventually play the West so...no chance.

 Since this is my first blog in a long time and you read all the way to the bottom please feel free to reward yourself with these post-game quotes by Shaquille O'neal.

"You earthlings think I can't run."

"I've been lucky to live in both worlds, regular worlds and superhero world."

When asked about the elbow to the head of Raja Bell - "Yeah I told him it was an accident, and I told him in Spanish."

"Mike Wilbon!"

"When we get used to each other we'll be the best team ever created."

"Steve Nash told me to get my Randy Moss on."

"Steve Nash is a hip hop, Canadian Eminem, version of Scotty Skiles."

"Yes, I took gymnastics when I was little."