Lakers pull off a balanced act

And speaking of last, there was a welcome-home gift awaiting the Lakers on Friday after their arduous four-game trip: the cellar-dwelling Seattle SuperSonics.

It all amounted to a happy homecoming, the Lakers unwrapping Seattle, 130-105, for another coast-to-coast victory at Staples Center and continuing the momentum gained from the tail end of the trip.

Add to that a bit of confidence from their coach in the no-wiggle-room Western Conference.

"I think we're the front-runner," Phil Jackson said smoothly and plainly before the game.

"That's what I would say. If we had a healthy roster, I would be much more capable and comfortable saying that, but at this point, given our schedule, I think we have a really good opportunity."

He did say it, and their schedule agrees.

Opportunities abound for the Lakers (48-21) to build what they've already started in rounding out the season.

They play 10 of their final 13 games at Staples Center, including a Clippers home game next month.

In sweeping the SuperSonics for the first time in 18 years, they moved a full game ahead of the New Orleans Hornets and Houston Rockets atop the conference.

Kobe Bryant, who had averaged 34.7 points in three previous wins over the SuperSonics, totaled 23 points and five assists while resting most of the fourth quarter.

He made eight of his 15 shots and seven of eight free throws to pace an even-keeled offensive flow with the Lakers establishing a season-high 36 assists

Curiously enough, it was subbing center Ronny Turiaf, who tied a career-high with six assists, who led the Lakers to go along with his 14 points. Five others had at least four assists.

"That's what it's all about," Turiaf said. "If you always move the ball, you are going to be successful."

The Lakers only had 11 players available. All of them scored and eight of them, including all five starters, scored in double figures.

Lamar Odom (13 points, 12 rebounds and four assists) did his damage early and Luke Walton -- his season-high-tying 17 points all came in the fourth quarter -- did his late.

Even DJ Mbenga tied a career high with eight points.

"We came out with purpose and had an idea of what we wanted to do and moved the ball well," Jackson said.

Beforehand Jackson said there was a bit of concern over a letdown, an uptick at the end of the trip followed by a home game against a poor team.