A little over 26 minutes of play, 15 pts, and 9 boards is what the newest member of the Phoenix Suns, Shaquille O'Neal, contributed according to the statline this Wednesday night in Phoenix.

However, what he brought to the floor was much greater than his individual numbers indicate.

Upon returning to the Western Conference to join the Pacific Division leading Suns, Shaq vowed he would elevate the game of those around him, most specifically, Amare Stoudamire. That promise was evident on the floor as the Suns met their Pacific Division rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night at the U.S. Airways Arena.

Early double teams against the Suns new Center freed up Stoudamire on possession after possession, and when the Lakers resorted to regular coverage, Shaquille made his presence felt in the paint.

Unfortuately for Phoenix, the Lakers turned out to have more offensive firepower on hand and played Phoenix's style game much better than it could itself on its own home court.

All-World guard, Kobe Bryant contributed 41 pts, his 90th such performance of his career, and both Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom each scored over 20 pts, making the high scoring affair an all-around team effort.

As a result, the Lakers took a share of the Pacific Division lead, and own the tie-breaker against Phoenix since they now lead the season series 3-1.

The Lakers have proven thus far to have the Suns number.  All of the remaining skeptics better come to their senses soon and realize that this Lakers team is for real.

The pending return of Andrew Bynum will only make matters harder for opposing defenses, not to mention the opposing offenses.

As a sports fan who doubted the merit of the Shaquille O'Neal for Shawn Marion trade when it was first reported, I can now honestly state that I should recant my previous position, for the deal may in fact make sense for Phoenix.

Even though you can not tell from the final score of tonight's game, O'Neal's presence on the floor helps Phoenix defensively and does in fact elevate the game of Amare Stoudamire, making for a better team game than perhaps would have otherwise existed with the malcontent Shawn Marion having to share the spotlight (and touches) with Stoudamire and Suns point guard Steve Nash.

Shaquille realizes he is a role player on this team, is secure with that role, and played that role well Wednesday night.

In the end however, It just may still prove itself to be not quite enough for Phoenix to get the better of the Lakers this season.

It certainly wasn't enough this Wednesday night.