When Shaquille O'Neal was ejected from tonight's game between the Seattle Supersonics and the Los Angeles Lakers with 2:12 left in the first quarter, it was predictable that the game would take a significant turn, and one of the teams would have a hard time adjusting.

What was less predictable was that the team would be the Seattle Supersonics.

In recent articles leading up to the game, much was made of whether the Sonics would be able to continue their Laker domination after sweeping the four games between the teams last season. In determining that the trend was unlikely to hold up, most analysts focused on the self-monikered 'Kobe Stopper', former Sonic forward Ruben Patterson, now in Portland. Whether because of Ruben or otherwise, Laker star -- and current NBA leader in scoring -- Kobe Bryant did struggle against the Sonics last season.

Less was made, however, of the importance of the Lakers' paltry third and fourth options on offense last season, which played right into the hands of Seattle's trapping defense. Guard Derek Fisher, who emerged as Los Angeles' third option behind Shaq and Kobe during the end of last season, missed all four affairs with injury. As well, the Lakers added sharpshooting guard Lindsey Hunter this summer in a trade with Milwaukee.

As it turned out, both these things were factors as the Lakers overcame the loss of O'Neal to handily defeat the Sonics, 107-92.

In the early going, the Sonics hung around despite the powerful post presence of Shaq. Using the fast break to their distinct advantage, getting strong play from Rashard Lewis, and having drawn two quick fouls on Bryant, the Sonics trailed just 17-16 despite the 8 points of O'Neal.

With that score, O'Neal drove the lane against a pair of Sonic defenders. In contact, his shot was off, and went out of bounds to the Sonics. Shaq was incensed as a timeout was called, and his complaining quickly drew him a first technical foul. Despite the best efforts of the LA coaching staff, O'Neal could barely be restrained as he attempted to charge the offending referee, and drew a second technical foul and an automatic ejection.

With Bryant and O'Neal both out, the Sonics quickly took a decisive lead of 24-20going to the second quarter. Then, the floor fell out from under them.

In the second quarter, Bryant's aerial attack energized the Laker offense, while Seattle's became stagnant as top scorers Gary Payton and Vin Baker went cold from the field. For the quarter, Los Angeles outscored the Sonics 30-19 to take a 7 point lead to halftime.

After a quick start for LA to the second half, the Sonics rallied by increasing their defensive intensity and getting the crowd into the game. However, after Seattle closed to 5 at 61-56, the Lakers went on a 13-4 run to extend their lead back to double digits. It would not go back to single digits the rest of the game. For the quarter, Hunter was devestating from three point range.

In the final period, Baker finally got it going on the offensive end, scoring 12 points for Seattle, but it was largely trading baskets with LA, and the Lakers never allowed the Sonics a whiff of a comeback. With Hunter out, it was Fisher bombing away from just inside the three point line that made the Sonics' slow rotation pay. The sellout crowd, much of it partisan for the Lakers, began filing out with about six minutes left, and there was little doubt that whatever the reason Seattle mastered LA last season, it was gone now.

Despite making only two field goals, Desmond Mason led the Sonics in scoring with one of the most unusual stat lines in NBA history. Mason went to the free throw line 18 times, making a remarkable 17, to finish with 21 points on the night. Largely on the strength of his strong first quarter, Lewis had 19 to go along with 8 boards. Baker's fourth quarter allowed him to post a good looking line, 13 points on 4 of 9 shooting with 9 boards. However, his struggles in the first and third quarter and time spent on the bench with three fouls in the second were more indicative of his true value as LA grew its lead. Brent Barry was quietly effective, with 12 points on 5 of 9 shooting. Payton had a miserable 5 of 15 shooting night to finish with 11 points and 9 assists in inarguably his worst game of the season. Art Long added 10 to give the Sonics six players in double figures, but the noted rebounding specialist grabbed just 2 in 16 minutes.

Bryant closed the night with 30 points on 10 of 19 shooting and a wicked slam dunk during which he posterized Sonic rookie Vladimir Radmanovic and was sent to the free throw line. Fisher, in just his third game back from injury, had 14 points on 5 of 8 shooting off the bench. The other half of the point guard platoon, Hunter, had 12 on 5 of 9. Samaki Walker also added 10. The Lakers were led in assists by reserve forward Robert Horry, who had 8, and in rebounding by little-used backup Slava Medvedenko, who had 7 while filling in for Shaq.

Notes:
Prior to stepping out, O'Neal was off to a disasterous 2-6 start from the free throw line ... Sonic starting center Calvin Booth did not play in the second half as his ankle injury continues to be bothersome ... backup Peja Drobnjak also sat the entire second half, though not apparently because of injury ... even with a sellout crowd, the loudest cheers of the night appeared to come when Seattle Mariner starting pitcher Jaime Moyer was introduced early in the game ... Radmanovic finally re-entered the first half rotation, playing 13 minutes, the most he has in quite some time.

SC.com Player of the Game: While struggling from the field, Desmond Mason's free throw performance earned him honors as he continues an impressive sophomore campaign.