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Phoenix Suns' Shaquille O'Neal dunks over Los Angeles Lakers' DJ Mbenga. (AP Images)

In a trade sent shockwaves throughout the NBA as it came on the heels of the Lakers acquiring Pau Gasol from Memphis, Shaquille O'Neal was hoping for a win tonight. However, the best rivalry in the NBA was a close game, but Kobe Bryant's 41 points lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a victorious 130-124 win against Shaquille O'Neal's Phoenix debut.

Gasol added 29 points, which included an exciting breakaway dunk with only 1:15 to play. For his part, Lamar Odom earned 22 points for the Lakers.

O'Neal, who was traded to the Suns a week ago, scored 15 points, nine of which were in the final quarter. He also slammed Raja Bell in the head with an elbow, forcing the Suns guard out of the game. O'Neal played for the Lakers from 1996-2004.

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