After Shaquille O'Neal's ejection in the first quarter the last time that Seattle played the Lakers, the world champions appeared vulnerable without their 350-pound center and his monstrous skills.

Instead, Los Angeles snapped a four-game losing streak against the Sonics behind players with difficult-to-pronounce names (Stanislav Medvedenko); starters who weren't even around last season (Lindsey Hunter and Samaki Walker); and players who looked strange in the purple and gold (Mitch Richmond).

"This is a very well-rounded team around (O'Neal's) abilities," Lakers Coach Phil Jackson said. "We have three-point shooters that can knock the shots down if he's double teamed. We have players who understand the game. "We have good defensive players. And we have enough athleticism to cover when he doesn't get back in time. So the guys are protecting him a little better than last year."

O'Neal and Kobe Bryant ? who are getting along fabulously yet headed toward an MVP collision ? remain reasons 1 and 1A for the Lakers' supremacy at 16-2. But compelling evidence that the Lakers are headed for a third consecutive championship is what O'Neal describes as "my best supporting cast."

After winning the 2000 NBA title, the rich have appeared to get richer with significant offseason moves. The Lakers added two starters: Hunter at point guard and Walker at power forward. Last season, Horace Grant was solid if unspectacular in providing post defense and hitting the outside jumper. But the Lakers wanted more athleticism in their frontcourt, so they signed Walker as a Spurs free agent. Although the 6-foot-9 forward has been inconsistent offensively, Walker's rebounding and shot-blocking make him valuable. When O'Neal rests, Walker often shifts to center.

Hunter was acquired from the Bucks in a deal for Greg Foster. The Bucks traded Hunter after his shooting woes during the playoffs. But on Nov. 30, Hunter ? who provides pressure defense ? reminded the Sonics that he remains a dangerous shooter by scoring 12 points in the third quarter.

"I think people sleep on them," Gary Payton said, referring to the Lakers' role players. "Because up at our place, without those guys making shots like they did in the second half, it wouldn't have opened it up for Kobe.