HIGHLIGHTS: Gary Payton wrapped a pass around Mark Madsen, finding Art Long for a jam and a foul in the second quarter. ... Vladimir Radmanovic stole a pass and raced in for a one-handed jam, also in the second period.

PLAY OF THE GAME: Kobe Bryant, taking a pass from Robert Horry, swooping in from the right side and throwing it down over Radmanovic, giving the Lakers a 102-82 lead.

GONE AS WELL: After Shaquille O'Neal was ejected in the first quarter, Calvin Booth became the second starting center to leave the game, not returning in the second half because lingering problems from his sprained ankle.

THE LAST TIME: O'Neal had not been ejected in more than two years, since Nov. 6, 1999, when he was tossed in Portland.

IN THE PAST: Asked before the game about the Sonics' regular-season series sweep last year, Kobe Bryant said: "We'll use it as motivation. They deserve to talk about it because they beat us four times. We know they're going to be hyped. We have to be prepared for it." Coach Phil Jackson wasn't sure: "I can't get a sense of whether it's a high-alert state for this team."

UNBEATABLE? NO: Sonics coach Nate McMillan, when asked which teams posed the biggest threat to the Lakers this season: Sacramento, San Antonio and Philadelphia.

FREE-THROW FOLLIES: O'Neal missed his first four free throws before getting encouragement from his bench on the next two attempts. "Relax, Shaq, relax," Brian Shaw told him. O'Neal made a pair.

IN THE SEATS: Mariners pitcher Jamie Moyer, seated in the front row, received an ovation when introduced during a break in the second quarter.

NEXT UP: Milwaukee, tomorrow, 6 p.m., KeyArena