LOS ANGELES: Kobe Bryant got the better of former teammate Shaquille O'Neal to guide the Los Angeles Lakers to a 105-92 win over the Phoenix Suns on Thursday.

Last season's most valuable player scored 24 points as the Lakers defeated their Pacific Division rivals in the first meeting of the season between the two teams.

Los Angeles continued to play improved defense, forcing the Suns into 15 turnovers.