LOS ANGELES, Oct. 27 (UPI) -- Shaquille O'Neal and Devean George each scored 15 points Friday night as the Los Angeles Lakers cruised to a 90-71 victory over the Phoenix Suns in the exhibition finale for both teams.
Phoenix (5-3) led by as many as 11 points in the first quarter but Los Angeles closed the half with an 18-6 run for a 47-40 lead. George and Rick Fox each had four points in the spurt.
A 3-pointer by George just before the end of the third quarter gave the Lakers a 68-56 lead, which grew to as many as 22 in the final quarter.
Fox and Lindsey Hunter each scored eight points for the Lakers, who substituted liberally. Kobe Bryant had seven points and seven assists.
O'Neal, who was criticized earlier in the week by coach Phil Jackson about his poor free-throw shooting, went 1-of-2 at the line and finished the preseason at 35 percent.
The only suspense left for Los Angeles (4-4) is the battle for the final roster spot, which likely is between Mike Penberthy and rookie Joe Crispin. Each finished with three points.
Tony Delk made just 6-of-17 shots but led Phoenix with 18 points. John Wallace scored 12 points and Penny Hardaway had 10 on 3-of-11 shooting.
Shawn Marion grabbed 13 rebounds and Jake Tsakalidis added 11 as the Suns held a 52-48 rebounding edge. Phoenix shot just 29 percent (24-of-82) and managed only 45 points over the last three quarters.
