The Lakers had a comfortable lead atop the west heading into Sunday, but were 0-2 against the second place Nuggets – not anymore.

Many people believe the Lakers toughest competition out west is Denver, but it may in fact be themselves. It is always tough to fight complacency when you’re the defending champs, and this is why Kobe admits the Lakers were looking ahead to Denver in their lackadaisical win against Philly earlier this week.

The win against Denver may not have been pretty either, but it sent a message. Kobe only had 14 points, but added 12 assists and 5 rebounds to the stat sheet. And it was no surprise that Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom stepped up their games; both with double-doubles, 15 points 14 rebounds and 20 points 12 rebounds respectively. The versatile big men have been on fire lately, and together, were the main reason the Lakers were able to go 4-1 when Kobe was injured.

The real surprise yesterday has also been the question mark for the Lakers all year, Ron Artest. He was brought in to provide a spark, and to guard the playmakers out west so Kobe didn’t have to. He answered the call big time last night. Carmelo still ended up with 21 points, but was a meager 7-19 from the field and fouled out of the game for only the second time this season. And if you watched the game, it was no secret he was frustrated with the lack of space Artest gave him and the physical style of play Big Ron brought to the table (look out King James).

There is something different about being defending champs. Sure everyone is gunning for you and you have the title to defend, but there is also a swagger that comes with being a champion. The Lakers have that swagger now. It’s not just the Kobe show anymore. They can beat you in so many different ways. They can dominate down low with 3 7-footers, or run the floor with the speed of Kobe and Farmar. They can dominate the boards and shut down the scorers, and they can certainly outcoach you with the best coach in the association.

And how about closing out games? When the clock is ticking down who do you want with the ball in their hands? 10 out of 10 coaches in the NBA would tell you Kobe Bryant. Not only does he have 4 titles, an MVP, and the experience of closing games in the postseason, but number 24 already has 5 game-wining shots this year. Yes barely half way through the season he has 5.

The rest of the West has a sliver of hope. Chauncey and Carmelo have the Nuggets poised for another late run. Dallas has re-loaded and Dirk is playing great. Kevin Durant is the hardest match-up in the league and has some talent around him. Williams and Boozer always give the Jazz a chance, but as Malone and Stockton will tell you – can’t win a title with 2 guys. And when it comes down to it, the defending champs are just too much; even for you LeBron.

-rew