LA Lakers pulled off the 88-79 upset of Phoenix today, thanks to a mistake-filled game. "We stank," said losing coach Bob. "We beat them around like high-schoolers whenever we played like we usually do, but that wasn't often enough. There's just no excuse for that type of play. I suppose we just got overconfident; I mean Phoenix isn't exactly a top-notch team. But we sure stank it up out there."

LA Lakers coach Andreas Helmle focused more on the positives. "Bob can say what he wants, but we really managed to knock them out of their usual plan. Would that have happened if they weren't playing anybody? He makes it sound like they gave the game away, but the truth is that we played with them the whole way and were in position to capitalize when our chances came."

LA Lakers was led by Bailey (23 points, 14 boards, 1 assists, 4 blocks), Walz (10 points, 2 steals, a block), Carter (13 points, 13 boards, 2 assists, a block). Phoenix was led by Whitfield (11 points, 12 boards, 0 assists, 5 blocks), Miller (17 points, 3 steals), Calloway (15 points, 1 assists, a steal).

With the win, LA Lakers stand at 12-20 and 8-7 at home. They hold at #4 in the Pacific and hold at #13 overall in the Western Conference. After this loss, Phoenix fall to 14-16. They hold at #3 in the Pacific and fall to #9 overall in the Western Conference.

box score LA Lakers* roster Phoenix roster