LOS ANGELES - Even on his bad nights, Shaquille O'Neal is usually too much for the Suns. Friday wasn't one of his bad nights.

O'Neal toyed with the Suns, scoring 23 of his 36 points in the first half. And if there was any doubt about where things were headed, he settled that by hitting 16 of 18 free throws as the Lakers methodically took apart the Suns 117-94 at the Staples Center.