I had my doubts. I didn't know if it would work. They sucked in pre-season. Kobe's still out. Yet the Lakers beat the Mavericks. Both of my rules for a winning Lakers game held true tonight. I don't know what the stats are, but I have hypothesized that if the Lakers win the tipoff AND are the first to 100 points, they will win the game. Tonight, they did both.

In a very even game, the Lakers dispatched an ugly looking Dallas team in their new jerseys. Payton had 21, Fisher 16, Malone 15, George 16, O'Neal 16. Malone and Payton both had 4 more assists than the big man. Malone out-rebounded Shaq. This team is amazing - very well balanced now - even without Kobe, they put on a showing tonight. I really don't think there's anyone out there that can stop them. I know it's not going out on a limb, but you heard it here first (or for the hundredth time) - 2004 NBA Champion Los Angeles Lakers.

URL: THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE LOS ANGELES LAKERS