Erick Blasco

Not trying to belittle your point---I agree with most of what you're saying about Anthony---but let's also not forget how shockingly awful Dwyane Wade played to begin the season. As he's rebounded into superstar form, the Heat have ascended into an elite team. I think as much as anything, Wade's play has been the biggest factor for Miami's turnaround. I actually like playing Z against those midget teams you mentioned above because they have no answer for him on the offensive glass. He basically won Miami's second game against the Knicks with his offensive board work.

This is awful news for Cleveland. He was the best player on the Cavs. I mean none of their scorers are consistent, at least Varejao would play exceptional defense. Now Cleveland very may be the worst team in basketball.

Raise your hand if you actually think Jalen Rose knows what a "dichotomy" is.

...Play without the ball to get a good look. http://nbaplaybook.com/2011/01/06/suns-jason-richardson-set-doesnt-work-for-vince-carter/

Great recognition by Gasol knowing he needed to close out hard on Carter to secure the win. Gasol's poor offense is concerning, but this was a good win by the Lakers.

Frye off a pindown, that's a very tough play to contest with Frye's release.

Carter's not strong enough! He needs to secure that rebound to give the Suns a chance!

Even worse, Phoenix had 8 seconds to try closing out and never did.

Kobe's putting faith in his teammates, and they're rewarding him. Very mature game by Kobe minus his last two shots.

See I don't like that shot by Kobe. He turns down an open three to drive into a drifting jump shot. If you're going to drive, drive straight to the basket and pop, don't drive left and drift.

That's one of only two bad shots Kobe has taken today. It leads to a bit of a transition opportunity. This is why any bad shot is frowned upon. It often leads to mismatches on the other end.

Great shot by Kobe, he's been terrific today.

One thing about Gortat---he's playing hard right now as Carter misses a layup in traffic.

Great pass by Odom. There was only one place where he could feed that ball to Brown and he put it there.

Bynum with a man sized rebound---the Lakers guards aren't playing too well. I'd bring Kobe in for Brown to finish this game. He should be rested because he hasn't had to exert too much energy as a scorer.

Good defense by Bynum, plus smart shading by Odom lead to a turnover by Dudley.

Dragic with an awful rotation, he didn't fully get to Odom and Odom blew by him. Odom then landed right on his arm, this looks bad...

Not much contact on that Dudley drive.

Bynum just overwhelmed Frye. Frye has no chance defending most post players.

Wow, that wasn't terrible defense, Odom is terrific. Then a one-handed catch on a home run pass plus a sweet dish to Barnes. Great series by Odom!

Since Kobe's conserved himself so well, he's going to be fresh for the stretch run. That was a sweet jumper.

Gasol's defense wasn't this consistently bad last season. I'm very disappointed in his play tonight.

Man, what a bounce pass by Nash to beat the rotation. Artest is a half step late and has to foul.

Not when there's contact. He's always shied away from engaging contact at the basket.

Gortat has played some solid defense, blocking a Gasol reverse layup attempt.