Richardson played a solid game, leading LA Lakers to a 107-96 upset of Phoenix. "It was an 'upset' in name only," said Phoenix coach Bob. "They were the better team today. Andreas Helmle had his team better prepared than I had mine, and Richardson was just too much for us to handle. It you didn't know the teams' records but just saw this game, you'd say LA Lakers was the better team by far."

LA Lakers was led by Richardson (34 points, 22 boards, 0 assists), Spears (12 points, a steal), Dixson (8 points, 2 steals). Phoenix was led by Cruz (12 points, a steal), Adams (21 points, 11 boards, 1 assists, 2 blocks), Wilcox (19 points, 5 boards, 0 assists, a steal).

LA Lakers are now 34-36. They hold at #4 in the Pacific and remain at #9 overall in the Western Conference. Phoenix fall to 37-32 and 21-12 at home with today's defeat. They hold at #2 in the Pacific and stay at #6 overall in the Western Conference.

box score LA Lakers* roster Phoenix roster