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How the Grinch Stole the Lakers' Christmas By Stephen (Writer) How bad are the Lakers without Shaq? Let�s just say that they lost to the Warriors. All the NBA spectators expected Kobe to step up and score 40 points per game with Shaq observing his team from the bench. Unfortunately, Kobe Bryant disappointed those spectators. Could it be because of his ribs? The ugliness all started on Christmas Day, a day without Shaquille O�Neal playing because his toe was bothering him. Doctors found out that O�Neal had arthritis on his big toe and declared that he had to sit out for at least 5 games. On Christmas Day, the Lakers were up against the Sixers, last year�s runner-up. Samaki Walker stepped up by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds thereby giving him a Double-double. Kobe Bryant also had a Double-double by scoring 12 points and getting 10 rebounds. The Lakers ran away with an 88-82 victory at the Staples Center. On the next day against the Warriors, the Lakers were out-rebounded 57-36. Bryant played excellently by scoring 39 of the Lakers 90 points. Medvedenko and Walker, who took over Shaq�s position, played more minutes than usual. Unfortunately, the Lakers lost to the Warriors, 101-90. On the 28th of December, the Lakers would have a challenging match against the Raptors. Again, it was Bryant�s moment to shine without Shaq playing. He scored 26 points. When Carter was injured, it was time for the Lakers to take advantage. However, the Lakers only outscored the Raptors by 2 in the 4th quarter. They ended up with their second-straight loss, 89-86. They soon faced off against the Rockets, who they beat twice this season. Francis could not play because of a migraine headache. If he did, the Lakers might have lost their third-straight game, which only happened to PJ�s team in Chicago when Jordan so-called "retired". Six Laker players scored double figures. Bryant and Fox led all scores with 16 each followed by Horry and George with 14 each. The Lakers ended up winning big, 114-90. With Shaq injured for a couple of games, Laker spectators found out that Medvedenko and Walker are able to step up in the center position. However, without Shaq, the Lakers are getting out-rebounded. You must not forget that Shaquille O�Neal is the only real center in the Lakers. The Lakers realized that they are not as strong without him but can still win with a good team effort.
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