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O'Neal, Bryant to face off yet again as Lakers visit Suns

Feb 20, 2008 - 1:38 PM LA Lakers (36-17) at Phoenix (37-16) 9:00 pm EST

PHOENIX (Ticker) - What are the chances of this? In his first game as a member of the Phoenix Suns, Shaquille O'Neal will face former teammate Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday.

It is a strange twist of fate in the Bryant-O'Neal rivalry, which has been well-documented. O'Neal was shoved out of Los Angeles by Bryant, who essentially told Lakers' management, "it's him or me."

After being traded to Miami in 2004, O'Neal and teamed with superstar swingman Dwyane Wade to help the Heat win a championship in 2006.

Now, the duo who led the Lakers to three straight titles from 2000-2002, will face off again after O'Neal was traded from Miami to Phoenix on February 6.

O'Neal, who has played in just four games since injuring his hip on December 22, will likely play limited minutes on Wednesday.

The trade has been questioned by some considering the 35-year-old O'Neal is seemingly a bad fit in the Suns' run-and-gun offense.

Lakers coach Phil Jackson gave his assessment on O'Neal following a 122-93 win over Atlanta on Tuesday.

"I thought he didn't quite have the same lift," Jackson said. "(It) looked like he had to get a little closer to the basket to get done what he wanted to get done on offense. He's starting to look okay."

Meanwhile, Bryant and the Lakers have a new big man, Pau Gasol. Gasol, who was acquired from Memphis two days before the Suns traded for O'Neal. The 7-footer has fit in seamlessly with Los Angeles, which has won five straight.

Gasol is averaging 20.8 points and 8.0 rebounds in seven games with the Lakers, while taking some pressure of Bryant, who has a torn ligament in his right pinkie. Bryant did not appear hampered as he scored 23 points in Tuesday's win.

Los Angeles has won two of three from the Suns this season. Bryant had 16 points with 11 rebounds in a 119-98 win over Phoenix on November 2.