OMG! Kobe > Shaq?

[bobbybe01]

I like Luke Walton at the small forward.. good ball handling skills

OMG are you kidding me? I laughed my butt off when he was trying those spin moves and Kobe got pissed at him for messing up the game. I didn't see him in the latter games of the series....I wonder why....hahahaha. That kid bugs me, anyway.

 

[PlatinumGold]

Originally posted by: maziwanka
this is all crazy talk. plus, the nets are rumored to acquire shareef abdur raheem in a three person trade (i think that includes the nets first round dp)...

if they are getting Raheem, even better reason to trade KMart for Shaq, unless of course KMart is involved in the trade for Raheem

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

Originally posted by: m2kewl

kobe is not going to jail, look at the past high profile cases; if you're rich, black, and have good lawyers, you won't be seeing Bubba!!

I think that's a specious argument. While I do think there is reasonable doubt in this case, the fact of the matter is that Kobe is going to trial in a small, almost entirely white community in Colorado, not in downtown LA (a la OJ), so I think his race will be unhelpful to his cause, and his fame may not make much difference either (though he can definitely afford some of the best lawyers in Colorado).

Wealthy black athletes are NOT immune to prosecution anyway - just ask Rae Carruth (who is serving 19-24 years) or Ruben Patterson!

 

[Goosemaster]

Originally posted by: GtPrOjEcTX

Originally posted by: bR
...and trading Shaquille O'Neal is a possibility if the star center demands it.

I'm glad I'm not the only one that caught that. But it looks like it was just you and me that did.

OMG...throughout the rest of the thread people STILL didn;t fvking catch it...LOL


sort of like that Bush Letter thread where the OP English skills were sh!t and people aregued over a bad argument the whole time..lol..

 

[mdrollas]

Kobe just opted out and Shaq asked to be traded and T-Mac too.

 

[krunchykrome]

Originally posted by: Ready

Speaking less than 48 hours after the Lakers were beaten by the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Finals, Kupchak also said the team will do whatever it takes to keep Kobe Bryant, and trading Shaquille O'Neal is a possibility if the star center demands it.

Oneal = 3X finals MVP....Kobe does not have any....but does have youth.

KObe is good, but Shaq is the best center to ever play the game.

(and still is)

 

[Layzie310]

This is the easiest thing ever. If it was me, I would have traded Shaq after 2002. If it wasn't for Horry they would have never gotten out of the WCF because Shaq wasn't consistant at all. Right now it's an even easier decision. The guy is not worth $30 mil, especially on a team that needs all that money to get more shooters and guys who are athletic. As for Kobe, I've seen all the evidence, there's a less than 1% chance of him being found guilty. I'm excited about next year, the Lakers will finally be rid of the two cancers, Phil and Shaq. Maybe now we can have a team that actually works hard all the time.

 

[Ranger X]

I have a feeling the Lakers are going to trade Shaq to Orland, get Juwan Howard, #1 pick, and some future picks.

I hope the Lakers can get Yao couple years down the line. He needs to get away from Franchise.
Maybe hiring Rudy-T can lure him to LA. Plus, LA would be better for Yao b/c of the bigger Asian market.

 

[gunblade]

Originally posted by: Ranger X
I have a feeling the Lakers are going to trade Shaq to Orland, get Juwan Howard, #1 pick, and some future picks.

I hope the Lakers can get Yao couple years down the line. He needs to get away from Franchise.
Maybe hiring Rudy-T can lure him to LA. Plus, LA would be better for Yao b/c of the bigger Asian market.

What is the difference playing with Kobe or Franchise? Both are going to dominate the ball anyway.

 

[Slaimus]

Originally posted by: Layzie310
This is the easiest thing ever. If it was me, I would have traded Shaq after 2002. If it wasn't for Horry they would have never gotten out of the WCF because Shaq wasn't consistant at all. Right now it's an even easier decision. The guy is not worth $30 mil, especially on a team that needs all that money to get more shooters and guys who are athletic. As for Kobe, I've seen all the evidence, there's a less than 1% chance of him being found guilty. I'm excited about next year, the Lakers will finally be rid of the two cancers, Phil and Shaq. Maybe now we can have a team that actually works hard all the time.

Too bad Kobe also opted out of his contract

 

[OneOfTheseDays]

Cmon people, who the fsck are we kidding here? If OJ didn't get convicted, what the hell makes you think Kobe will? Celebrity status aside, the case against Kobe is NOT a strong one. This girl had sex with other guys hours after and before Kobe. She's a liar and a drug-abuser. This case is going NOWHERE. KOBE IS NOT GOING TO JAIL. Let me repeat that: KOBE IS NOT GOING TO JAIL.

Phew, now that we got that out of the way lets talk business. Just read an interview Shaq did on ESPN, and it seems like he really wants out. He's not happy with how the Laker organization is treating him, and he did not like Phil's ousting. I think this will really hurt the Laker team. Shaq AND Kobe are the 1-2 knockout punch that won us 3 championships. You take one away and I'm not so sure that the Lakers will have such success. The best case scenario for the Lakers would be to keep Shaq and Kobe somehow, and pick up some good role/bench players to augment Shaq and Kobe. We could really use a good PG/SG that can hit outside shots. We could also use a real powerforward like Malone to help clean up on boards and play D. Other than that, I think the Laker team is really solid. We have a lot of developing young talent in Luke Walton, Kareem Rush, and Devean George.

Unfortunately, I don't think things will happen this way. Based on the interview I just read, Shaq is gone. He is demanding a trade and looks like he wants to go to Orlando again. This trade may go through since the Magic have the first round draft pick to dangle, along with Grant Hill and Juwan Howard (although both those guys are pretty worthless now). It looks like Kobe is going to stay, however, and I am not too happy about this. I think the reason the Lakers were so successfull was because we built the team around Shaq, not Kobe. Kobe, on his own, probably won't bring LA another championship. It was the combination of Shaq and Kobe that was so potent, and I don't think there is a better 1-2 punch in the NBA period. One thing is for sure, anything can happen between now and the start of training camp. I really do hope the Lakers can put forward a competitive team. Only time will tell....

 

[adelphi]

okay final offer.

kobe and shaq for tyrone lue and manute bol

 

[SP33Demon]

Originally posted by: Layzie310
This is the easiest thing ever. If it was me, I would have traded Shaq after 2002. If it wasn't for Horry they would have never gotten out of the WCF because Shaq wasn't consistant at all. Right now it's an even easier decision. The guy is not worth $30 mil, especially on a team that needs all that money to get more shooters and guys who are athletic. As for Kobe, I've seen all the evidence, there's a less than 1% chance of him being found guilty. I'm excited about next year, the Lakers will finally be rid of the two cancers, Phil and Shaq. Maybe now we can have a team that actually works hard all the time.

lmao, put the crack pipe down... Shaq had better numbers than ALL of the Pistons individually in this year's Finals in ppg (Wallace did have more boards per game). Wherever he goes, they will be in the playoffs and always have a chance to win it all... he is one of the top 5 most dominant centers ever (along with Wilt/Kareem/Hakeem)

 

[Ready]

Originally posted by: krunchykrome

Originally posted by: Ready

Speaking less than 48 hours after the Lakers were beaten by the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Finals, Kupchak also said the team will do whatever it takes to keep Kobe Bryant, and trading Shaquille O'Neal is a possibility if the star center demands it.

Oneal = 3X finals MVP....Kobe does not have any....but does have youth.

KObe is good, but Shaq is the best center to ever play the game.

(and still is)

What are you talking about? I think your forgetting Sam Bowie

 

[Pretty Cool]

Well, it looks like Kobe going to get what he wants which is no Shaq or Phil. They would just get in his way anyway. How is he going to take 30, 40, or his ultimate goal of 50 shots per game if those guys were still with the Lakers? In fact, they should get rid of the other 11. Then fire all the coaches and front office personnel. The organization should then be renamed, "The Los Angeles Kobes". Watch in amazement as Kobe goes 1 on 5 against the best basketball players in the world. So what if Kobe loses by a 100. At least he will get his shots and made a few amazing dunks. And, he would get an enormous amount of attention whenever the games were competitive.

 

[Layzie310]

Originall posted by: Slaimus
Too bad Kobe also opted out of his contract

There is no way Kobe leaves now. He hated Phil and hated Shaq. Now they're both gone like he wanted. Now we can actually spend Shaq's money to get some good players to surround the best player in the league.

Originally posted by: Sudheer Anne
Cmon people, who the fsck are we kidding here? If OJ didn't get convicted, what the hell makes you think Kobe will? Celebrity status aside, the case against Kobe is NOT a strong one. This girl had sex with other guys hours after and before Kobe. She's a liar and a drug-abuser. This case is going NOWHERE. KOBE IS NOT GOING TO JAIL. Let me repeat that: KOBE IS NOT GOING TO JAIL.

I agree that Kobe is not going to jail but don't ever compare this trial to OJ's. When all of the evidence is presented in court and Kobe is finally found not guilty, people are going to wonder why this thing actually went this far.

Originally posted by: Sudheer Anne
Phew, now that we got that out of the way lets talk business. Just read an interview Shaq did on ESPN, and it seems like he really wants out. He's not happy with how the Laker organization is treating him, and he did not like Phil's ousting. I think this will really hurt the Laker team. Shaq AND Kobe are the 1-2 knockout punch that won us 3 championships. You take one away and I'm not so sure that the Lakers will have such success. The best case scenario for the Lakers would be to keep Shaq and Kobe somehow, and pick up some good role/bench players to augment Shaq and Kobe. We could really use a good PG/SG that can hit outside shots. We could also use a real powerforward like Malone to help clean up on boards and play D. Other than that, I think the Laker team is really solid. We have a lot of developing young talent in Luke Walton, Kareem Rush, and Devean George.

That's why Shaq has to be traded. He is not worth the money he is being paid and with that salary it is impossible for the Lakers to get good players to surround Kobe and Shaq. It was a miracle Gary and Karl agreed to take less money to play in LA, but the Lakers need young, athletic talent and shooters. When Shaq is gone we'll finally be able to do that.

Originally posted by: Sudheer Anne
Unfortunately, I don't think things will happen this way. Based on the interview I just read, Shaq is gone. He is demanding a trade and looks like he wants to go to Orlando again. This trade may go through since the Magic have the first round draft pick to dangle, along with Grant Hill and Juwan Howard (although both those guys are pretty worthless now). It looks like Kobe is going to stay, however, and I am not too happy about this. I think the reason the Lakers were so successfull was because we built the team around Shaq, not Kobe. Kobe, on his own, probably won't bring LA another championship. It was the combination of Shaq and Kobe that was so potent, and I don't think there is a better 1-2 punch in the NBA period. One thing is for sure, anything can happen between now and the start of training camp. I really do hope the Lakers can put forward a competitive team. Only time will tell....

First, Grant Hill is not worthless. He's going to try to make another comeback next year, but even if he's not successful his contract ends after next season so the Lakers will be able to dump his contract and spend the money elsewhere. I also think the chances of the Lakers accepting Juwan Howard in the trade are small.

And about your Kobe hate, I have to wonder if you've really ever watched the Lakers. Kobe is the heart and soul of this team. Shaq is the oaf that kept them from winning the last two titles and almost cost them the title in 2002.

 

[SP33Demon]

Originally posted by: Layzie310
First, Grant Hill is not worthless. He's going to try to make another comeback next year, but even if he's not successful his contract ends after next season so the Lakers will be able to dump his contract and spend the money elsewhere. I also think the chances of the Lakers accepting Juwan Howard in the trade are small.

And about your Kobe hate, I have to wonder if you've really ever watched the Lakers. Kobe is the heart and soul of this team. Shaq is the oaf that kept them from winning the last two titles and almost cost them the title in 2002.

Wow you're on Kobe's jock hard. I don't blame you, since he's all you Laker fanboi's have left.

About your comment above, how do you almost cost your team the title and get named the Finals MVP? Or the Finals MVP 3 years in a row? and do it while leading your team in Points, Boards, blocks, FG% so bad that the league makes new rules around you? You claim that Kobe is the "heart and soul of this team", yet he hated the coach and the best center in the league. Your statement is true if "TEAM" = 0 players. If you're the heart and soul of a team everyone usually respects you, and follows you into battle. They don't HATE YOU.

 

[gunblade]

Originally posted by: Layzie310

Originall posted by: Slaimus
Too bad Kobe also opted out of his contract

There is no way Kobe leaves now. He hated Phil and hated Shaq. Now they're both gone like he wanted. Now we can actually spend Shaq's money to get some good players to surround the best player in the league.

Originally posted by: Sudheer Anne
Cmon people, who the fsck are we kidding here? If OJ didn't get convicted, what the hell makes you think Kobe will? Celebrity status aside, the case against Kobe is NOT a strong one. This girl had sex with other guys hours after and before Kobe. She's a liar and a drug-abuser. This case is going NOWHERE. KOBE IS NOT GOING TO JAIL. Let me repeat that: KOBE IS NOT GOING TO JAIL.

I agree that Kobe is not going to jail but don't ever compare this trial to OJ's. When all of the evidence is presented in court and Kobe is finally found not guilty, people are going to wonder why this thing actually went this far.

Originally posted by: Sudheer Anne
Phew, now that we got that out of the way lets talk business. Just read an interview Shaq did on ESPN, and it seems like he really wants out. He's not happy with how the Laker organization is treating him, and he did not like Phil's ousting. I think this will really hurt the Laker team. Shaq AND Kobe are the 1-2 knockout punch that won us 3 championships. You take one away and I'm not so sure that the Lakers will have such success. The best case scenario for the Lakers would be to keep Shaq and Kobe somehow, and pick up some good role/bench players to augment Shaq and Kobe. We could really use a good PG/SG that can hit outside shots. We could also use a real powerforward like Malone to help clean up on boards and play D. Other than that, I think the Laker team is really solid. We have a lot of developing young talent in Luke Walton, Kareem Rush, and Devean George.

That's why Shaq has to be traded. He is not worth the money he is being paid and with that salary it is impossible for the Lakers to get good players to surround Kobe and Shaq. It was a miracle Gary and Karl agreed to take less money to play in LA, but the Lakers need young, athletic talent and shooters. When Shaq is gone we'll finally be able to do that.

Originally posted by: Sudheer Anne
Unfortunately, I don't think things will happen this way. Based on the interview I just read, Shaq is gone. He is demanding a trade and looks like he wants to go to Orlando again. This trade may go through since the Magic have the first round draft pick to dangle, along with Grant Hill and Juwan Howard (although both those guys are pretty worthless now). It looks like Kobe is going to stay, however, and I am not too happy about this. I think the reason the Lakers were so successfull was because we built the team around Shaq, not Kobe. Kobe, on his own, probably won't bring LA another championship. It was the combination of Shaq and Kobe that was so potent, and I don't think there is a better 1-2 punch in the NBA period. One thing is for sure, anything can happen between now and the start of training camp. I really do hope the Lakers can put forward a competitive team. Only time will tell....

First, Grant Hill is not worthless. He's going to try to make another comeback next year, but even if he's not successful his contract ends after next season so the Lakers will be able to dump his contract and spend the money elsewhere. I also think the chances of the Lakers accepting Juwan Howard in the trade are small.

And about your Kobe hate, I have to wonder if you've really ever watched the Lakers. Kobe is the heart and soul of this team. Shaq is the oaf that kept them from winning the last two titles and almost cost them the title in 2002.

heart and soul in this year lakers team??
Kobe is the reason that Lakers are lacking in heart and soul since he thinks he himself represent the whole team.

 

[AntMan530]

shaq has three good years left...all three years are guareteed finals!!! i would take him over kobe any day...even if kobe has 10 years left

 

[SP33Demon]

This just in, Kobe's officially a btch in the words of Shaq

 

[Layzie310]

Originally posted by: SP33Demon

Originally posted by: Layzie310
First, Grant Hill is not worthless. He's going to try to make another comeback next year, but even if he's not successful his contract ends after next season so the Lakers will be able to dump his contract and spend the money elsewhere. I also think the chances of the Lakers accepting Juwan Howard in the trade are small.

And about your Kobe hate, I have to wonder if you've really ever watched the Lakers. Kobe is the heart and soul of this team. Shaq is the oaf that kept them from winning the last two titles and almost cost them the title in 2002.

Wow you're on Kobe's jock hard. I don't blame you, since he's all you Laker fanboi's have left.

About your comment above, how do you almost cost your team the title and get named the Finals MVP? Or the Finals MVP 3 years in a row? and do it while leading your team in Points, Boards, blocks, FG% so bad that the league makes new rules around you? You claim that Kobe is the "heart and soul of this team", yet he hated the coach and the best center in the league. Your statement is true if "TEAM" = 0 players. If you're the heart and soul of a team everyone usually respects you, and follows you into battle. They don't HATE YOU.

All I have to say is wow. Does the season start and end in June? Did you not watch the 2002 season where Shaq was missing games left and right? Did you not watch the playoffs where Shaq didn't even show up on the road? He wasn't even showing up on the road in 2001! Kobe had to save them by scoring 48 points in one game in Sacramento and then 45 the next game in San Antonio. And then you talk about Finals MVPs like I'm supposed to be in awe? How can anyone claim that dominating Todd MacCulloch and Jason Collins is something to be ecstatic about? Then the 2004 Finals come around and Shaq is getting outrebounded by a player many inches shorter and hundreds of pounds lighter than him? Shaq averaged 0.6 blocks per game. That is freaking pathetic for a man who wants to take up 70% of his team's payroll. And now he's so broken down he can't do a thing on only 1 day's rest. What's going to happen next year when Stern moves the early round games closer together so they don't last months like they did this year? And what the hell does the new rules have to do with anything? They're not going to change the damn rules just because Shaq is getting older. A smart guy would have lost weight so he could be in shape to maneuver around the zone D, but being in shape ain't Shaq's thing.

Kobe is the heart and soul of this team because he is the guy who goes out there no matter what the score is and he plays his ass off. He is the guy who doesn't rip guys in the media every other week even though his own coach and the team's supposed leader both hate him. Make no mistake, THEY HATE HIM. If you'd watch the games you'd know why it was Kobe who had every right to be the one with all of the hate. Shaq has the biggest ego of any person on the planet. He still doesn't get the fact that his offensive numbers don't mean a damn thing to the success of this team. Then you have Phil, a man who in five years of being the head coach of the Lakers has run maybe 3 plays to get Kobe going offensively. You have the best player in the game on a team that is deficient at scoring and athletically lacking and you refuse to take advantage of Kobe being on your team? Any other player in Kobe's position (five years now) with offensive talent would have killed himself by now.

Kobe is the man who gets guys open shots every damn game, but you wouldn't know it because they don't have the talent to make the shots and get Kobe some more assists in the box score, because since you don't watch all the games the stats are all that matter, right? You have no idea what's going on. You're only idea of Kobe is the lies ESPN tells you and the couple times you see the Lakers on ABC where all you do is laugh at them when things go wrong. Haters are an embarrassment, people. Watch all the games and then come with a real take.

Originally posted by: gunblade
heart and soul in this year lakers team??
Kobe is the reason that Lakers are lacking in heart and soul since he thinks he himself represent the whole team.

I'm not going to bother.

Originally posted by: AntMan530
shaq has three good years left...all three years are guareteed finals!!! i would take him over kobe any day...even if kobe has 10 years left

Shaq is fat, lazy, hates defense, and has a gigantic ego (he will not play for anything less than $30 million a year). Those sound like perfect qualities for being a team leader.

Shaq only remotely instantly helps a team in the LEastern Conference. And make no mistake, the East is still embarrassingly bad. Don't let David Stern trick you into believing otherwise.

 

[SP33Demon]

Originally posted by: Layzie310

Originally posted by: SP33Demon

Originally posted by: Layzie310
First, Grant Hill is not worthless. He's going to try to make another comeback next year, but even if he's not successful his contract ends after next season so the Lakers will be able to dump his contract and spend the money elsewhere. I also think the chances of the Lakers accepting Juwan Howard in the trade are small.

And about your Kobe hate, I have to wonder if you've really ever watched the Lakers. Kobe is the heart and soul of this team. Shaq is the oaf that kept them from winning the last two titles and almost cost them the title in 2002.

Wow you're on Kobe's jock hard. I don't blame you, since he's all you Laker fanboi's have left.

About your comment above, how do you almost cost your team the title and get named the Finals MVP? Or the Finals MVP 3 years in a row? and do it while leading your team in Points, Boards, blocks, FG% so bad that the league makes new rules around you? You claim that Kobe is the "heart and soul of this team", yet he hated the coach and the best center in the league. Your statement is true if "TEAM" = 0 players. If you're the heart and soul of a team everyone usually respects you, and follows you into battle. They don't HATE YOU.

All I have to say is wow. Does the season start and end in June? Did you not watch the 2002 season where Shaq was missing games left and right? Did you not watch the playoffs where Shaq didn't even show up on the road? He wasn't even showing up on the road in 2001! Kobe had to save them by scoring 48 points in one game in Sacramento and then 45 the next game in San Antonio. And then you talk about Finals MVPs like I'm supposed to be in awe? How can anyone claim that dominating Todd MacCulloch and Jason Collins is something to be ecstatic about? Then the 2004 Finals come around and Shaq is getting outrebounded by a player many inches shorter and hundreds of pounds lighter than him? Shaq averaged 0.6 blocks per game. That is freaking pathetic for a man who wants to take up 70% of his team's payroll. And now he's so broken down he can't do a thing on only 1 day's rest. What's going to happen next year when Stern moves the early round games closer together so they don't last months like they did this year? And what the hell does the new rules have to do with anything? They're not going to change the damn rules just because Shaq is getting older. A smart guy would have lost weight so he could be in shape to maneuver around the zone D, but being in shape ain't Shaq's thing.

Kobe is the heart and soul of this team because he is the guy who goes out there no matter what the score is and he plays his ass off. He is the guy who doesn't rip guys in the media every other week even though his own coach and the team's supposed leader both hate him. Make no mistake, THEY HATE HIM. If you'd watch the games you'd know why it was Kobe who had every right to be the one with all of the hate. Shaq has the biggest ego of any person on the planet. He still doesn't get the fact that his offensive numbers don't mean a damn thing to the success of this team. Then you have Phil, a man who in five years of being the head coach of the Lakers has run maybe 3 plays to get Kobe going offensively. You have the best player in the game on a team that is deficient at scoring and athletically lacking and you refuse to take advantage of Kobe being on your team? Any other player in Kobe's position (five years now) with offensive talent would have killed himself by now.

Kobe is the man who gets guys open shots every damn game, but you wouldn't know it because they don't have the talent to make the shots and get Kobe some more assists in the box score, because since you don't watch all the games the stats are all that matter, right? You have no idea what's going on. You're only idea of Kobe is the lies ESPN tells you and the couple times you see the Lakers on ABC where all you do is laugh at them when things go wrong. Haters are an embarrassment, people. Watch all the games and then come with a real take.

Originally posted by: gunblade
heart and soul in this year lakers team??
Kobe is the reason that Lakers are lacking in heart and soul since he thinks he himself represent the whole team.

I'm not going to bother.

Originally posted by: AntMan530
shaq has three good years left...all three years are guareteed finals!!! i would take him over kobe any day...even if kobe has 10 years left

Shaq is fat, lazy, hates defense, and has a gigantic ego (he will not play for anything less than $30 million a year). Those sound like perfect qualities for being a team leader.

Shaq only remotely instantly helps a team in the LEastern Conference. And make no mistake, the East is still embarrassingly bad. Don't let David Stern trick you into believing otherwise.

Ok, you have your opinion and I have mine. Judging from Shaq's comments, I'd still be more inclined to believe him over a selfish, reckless adulterer. Shaq keeps it real, and tells it like it is, there is no candy coated BS to his words. When he says that Kobe is a btch and isn't a team player, I'm inclined to believe him. He has no reason to badmouth Kobe now that he's gone, he has nothing to prove, he's the greatest center of our era. He was the man that LA built the team around when Kobe still had a pacifier in his mouth and was throwing up air balls in the playoffs. He was the man that brought LA the 3 rings by dominating other centers and winning back to back to back MVPs. Even you admit that nobody could guard him in the Finals, and still can't.

You cry about Shaq's 0.6 blocks per game, yet fail to mention Kobe's 2.x rebounds per game. That Kobe got lit up by Rip in a couple of games. That Shaq outscored everyone in the series (and had the highest FG%), and outrebounded everyone except Ben Wallace. WTF did Kobe do against Detroit, tell me?? I think you can cut a little slack for The Diesel considering those stats, considering he DIDN'T want to play with the little btch that is Kobe, and considering he's the only one that SHOWED UP FOR LA. Who had 36 and 20 and they still lost? It doesn't take a genious to figure out why...

The fact of the matter is that IF Shaq goes to Orlando, they will immediately be the best team in the East besides Detroit. I'm willing to put money on Shaq going farther than Kobe next season... How about you?

 

[OneOfTheseDays]

As a long time Laker fan, let me say this: Shaq is the heart and soul of the LA team. We all love Shaq down here, he's the one player we have always and will always have deep respect for. Support for Kobe is iffy, when he's playing good we all love him, but when things flare up not too many people can side with him. For you to say that Kobe is the heart of the LA team really strikes me. Do you live in LA, or are you just a Laker fan from elsewhere? Because if you lived in LA you'd know that big Shaq Diesel is numero uno down here. Regardless of how Shaq is playing now, without him we would NEVER have gotten 3 championships. We wouldn't have made it very far in the playoffs at all either. The offense ran through SHAQ, not Kobe. Remember that.

 

[SP33Demon]

Sudheer speaks the truth... many of you fanboi's should listen to a real Laker fan when he says that Shaq is the heart/soul of the team...

As a sidenote, analysts on ESPN are saying that it will be very hard to trade Shaq: a)it's hard to trade someone you know you won't be getting equal talent for b)Shaq is expensive, and most teams would have to trade like 4-5 guys just to get equal $$$ value c)There is speculation that Shaq, deep down, wants to stay in LA and is saying he wants to be traded just to put pressure on management to make a decision soon, either resign him for what he's worth or move him. There is also speculation that the Diesel, if he leaves, will try to convince Phil out of retirement to coach his new team, he said he is happy when Phil is coach. And his happiness will mean alot.

 

[SilentZero]

Originally posted by: isekii
it would be good to see shaq in NJ
I hear he was born and raised in Newark.

Yeah, now that would be nice.