Shaq officially traded to the Heat

[Javery]

The Heat acquired O'Neal in exchange for Lamar Odom, Caron Butler, Brian Grant and a first-round pick. The Lakers are dumbasses.

[Jaket]

w00t this will be the downfall of the lakers

[hiccupleftovers]

They are not dumbasses. Though I believe trading Shaq is a bad move, but in the long run it could turn out to pay off. I mean think about it Shaq is not the same Shaq he once was. he's getting old and he has not been keeping as much in shape as he should. trading to the East coast was a great idea. that way, he dominates there two maybe three years at the most, but will be trounced upon by the other west coast teams.

Shaq's best bet was to stay with the lakers and maybe win another championship or two. He by himself cannot carry an entire team like M.J. who else does he have in Miami at the moment other than Eddy jones. Maybe if they pull in a couple other good role players or stars arund him, they could be the strongest team in the east if not the entire NBA, but i don't see that happening any time soon.

[Grave_Addiction]

They are not dumbasses. Though I believe trading Shaq is a bad move, but in the long run it could turn out to pay off. I mean think about it Shaq is not the same Shaq he once was. he's getting old and he has not been keeping as much in shape as he should. trading to the East coast was a great idea. that way, he dominates there two maybe three years at the most, but will be trounced upon by the other west coast teams.

Shaq's best bet was to stay with the lakers and maybe win another championship or two. He by himself cannot carry an entire team like M.J. who else does he have in Miami at the moment other than Eddy jones. Maybe if they pull in a couple other good role players or stars arund him, they could be the strongest team in the east if not the entire NBA, but i don't see that happening any time soon.

Ummm, does Dwayne Wade ring a bell?

[Lootr2Core]

w00t this will be the downfall of the lakers

The Lakers are alread downfallen.

[Javery]

They are not dumbasses. Though I believe trading Shaq is a bad move, but in the long run it could turn out to pay off. I mean think about it Shaq is not the same Shaq he once was. he's getting old and he has not been keeping as much in shape as he should. trading to the East coast was a great idea. that way, he dominates there two maybe three years at the most, but will be trounced upon by the other west coast teams.

Yes, they are dumbasses. In the long run this may not work out for the Heat but that is irrelevant - it is definitely not going to work out for the Lakers. There are at least 5 teams in the West who are clearly better than the Lakers are now without Shaq. If you have a chance to win it all in any sport you go for it - the Lakers, with Kobe and Shaq, had that opportunity every year. Now they don't. The Lakers are dumbasses. :P

[oNeWiNgEdAnGeL]

w00t this will be the downfall of the lakers

The Lakers are alread downfallen.

Lakers were always in a downfall.

Funny thing now is, Lakers want to get Vlade Divac. :lol: :lol: :lol:

[Grave_Addiction]

They are not dumbasses. Though I believe trading Shaq is a bad move, but in the long run it could turn out to pay off. I mean think about it Shaq is not the same Shaq he once was. he's getting old and he has not been keeping as much in shape as he should. trading to the East coast was a great idea. that way, he dominates there two maybe three years at the most, but will be trounced upon by the other west coast teams.

Yes, they are dumbasses. In the long run this may not work out for the Heat but that is irrelevant - it is definitely not going to work out for the Lakers. There are at least 5 teams in the West who are clearly better than the Lakers are now without Shaq. If you have a chance to win it all in any sport you go for it - the Lakers, with Kobe and Shaq, had that opportunity every year. Now they don't. The Lakers are dumbasses. :P

I think they could have fixed the relationship with Shaq. Plus, why trade Shaq when there's a possibility that Kobe is going to be locked up and there's no guarantee that Kobe is even going to resign with the Lakers. The Clippers are making trades to clear up cap room so they can offer him more money.

If I was Kobe, I'd be considering the Clippers. The Lakers are a sinking ship right now. Payton wants out, too. God, I love it!

[hiccupleftovers]

They are not dumbasses. Though I believe trading Shaq is a bad move, but in the long run it could turn out to pay off. I mean think about it Shaq is not the same Shaq he once was. he's getting old and he has not been keeping as much in shape as he should. trading to the East coast was a great idea. that way, he dominates there two maybe three years at the most, but will be trounced upon by the other west coast teams.

Shaq's best bet was to stay with the lakers and maybe win another championship or two. He by himself cannot carry an entire team like M.J. who else does he have in Miami at the moment other than Eddy jones. Maybe if they pull in a couple other good role players or stars arund him, they could be the strongest team in the east if not the entire NBA, but i don't see that happening any time soon.

Ummm, does Dwayne Wade ring a bell?


Forgot about dwayne Wade, but do you think that still gives them enough of a chance to face the other teams. I don't know which Shaq you saw out there on the court but he is starting to look old, he was trampled on by Ben Wallace.

[daphatty]

Dwayne Wade and Eddie Jones. Miami is now a force to be reckoned with. Now if only Stan Van Gundy knew what to do with all of that talent.

[Javery]

Is there time for EA/Sega to implement the changes for the 2005 NBA games?

[Fatesealer]

Funny thing now is, Lakers want to get Vlade Divac. :lol: :lol: :lol:

Great joke.. but what's the punchline? :twisted:

[tyecko]

man I think this is a smart move for the lakers, Shaq was going to be gone anyways so getting all those good players for him was smart. Butler is a rising star, Odom can be very good, Grants not anything special but hes ok, and that 1st round pick could also turn out to be a star. I see it as a bad move in the long run for the Heat, They had a good core fo young players and there trading away 2 of the better one's for a veteran who will only be there 2 years tops.

[mousin]

hahaha, lakers will be fine without that big nut.

[hiccupleftovers]

They are not dumbasses. Though I believe trading Shaq is a bad move, but in the long run it could turn out to pay off. I mean think about it Shaq is not the same Shaq he once was. he's getting old and he has not been keeping as much in shape as he should. trading to the East coast was a great idea. that way, he dominates there two maybe three years at the most, but will be trounced upon by the other west coast teams.

Yes, they are dumbasses. In the long run this may not work out for the Heat but that is irrelevant - it is definitely not going to work out for the Lakers. There are at least 5 teams in the West who are clearly better than the Lakers are now without Shaq. If you have a chance to win it all in any sport you go for it - the Lakers, with Kobe and Shaq, had that opportunity every year. Now they don't. The Lakers are dumbasses. :P

I think they could have fixed the relationship with Shaq. Plus, why trade Shaq when there's a possibility that Kobe is going to be locked up and there's no guarantee that Kobe is even going to resign with the Lakers. The Clippers are making trades to clear up cap room so they can offer him more money.

If I was Kobe, I'd be considering the Clippers. The Lakers are a sinking ship right now. Payton wants out, too. God, I love it!

If Kobe knows what's ood for him, he'll stay with the Lakers. think about it, the Clippers have a curse on them with horrible management to boot. He only start to decrease. the clippers only want him so that they sell some seats not to win. Larry Brown took that team to the playoffs many years ago, which is a miracle. Oh yaeh about Kobe being locked up, what ever happened to innocent until proven guilty??? Hmmmm......

[Grave_Addiction]

Dwayne Wade and Eddie Jones. Miami is now a force to be reckoned with. Now if only Stan Van Gundy knew what to do with all of that talent.

I dunno, they made the playoffs last season, and who else is in their division?
New Jersey
New York
Boston
Philadelphia
Washington
Orlando

Not neccessarily a powerhouse division, eh?

[hiccupleftovers]

man I think this is a smart move for the lakers, Shaq was going to be gone anyways so getting all those good players for him was smart. Butler is a rising star, Odom can be very good, Grants not anything special but hes ok, and that 1st round pick could also turn out to be a star. I see it as a bad move in the long run for the Heat, They had a good core fo young players and there trading away 2 of the better one's for a veteran who will only be there 2 years tops.

Exactly

[scdoanintendo]

Nooooooooooooooooo, oh well I'll follow shaq anywhere. From Magic to Lakers to Heat. At least he'll be with eddie jones again.

[scza]

Dwayne Wade and Eddie Jones. Miami is now a force to be reckoned with. Now if only Stan Van Gundy knew what to do with all of that talent.

I dunno, they made the playoffs last season, and who else is in their division?
New Jersey
New York
Boston
Philadelphia
Washington
Orlando

Not neccessarily a powerhouse division, eh?

With the divisional realignment the Heat will now play in the Southeast Division with Atlanta, Charlotte, Orlando, and Washington.

It's a great move for Miami, they gave up less talent for the best center in the league. If Shaq proves he's about winning and shapes up this off season, they could be dangerous. Otherwise, they just gave up their entire front court for an aging big man with no work ethic.

As for the Lakers, all I can say is they better be sure they're signing Kobe. If they manage to lose him to the Clips, the'll have nothing. Even with him, they're still going to struggle next season as many west teams have beefed up their rosters(Utah, Denver, Houston, San Antonio). It's too bad egos get in the way of winning. With Kobe and Shaq working together, they were great.

[rjblazed]

w00t this will be the downfall of the lakers

The Lakers are alread downfallen.

Lakers were always in a downfall.

Funny thing now is, Lakers want to get Vlade Divac. :lol: :lol: :lol:


In the words of BigNick "Kings Suck" When was the last time the kings threepeated much less won a title or made the finals? If Lakers are downfallen what the hell are the kings or any other team for that fact besides san antonio and detroit?

[coolcps]

Screw anyone who hates the Kings.

[jmcc]

I think everyone is missing the point. Out of California, how is Shaq going to keep his film career going?

[anth0ny]

The Heat acquired O'Neal in exchange for Lamar Odom, Caron Butler, Brian Grant and a first-round pick. The Lakers are dumbasses.


they are not dumbasses, that was the best deal for the squad and I'm sure the Lakers front management knows what they are doing

[tyecko]

Now finally the Wolves can get their championship.

[GuilewasNK]

Miami is the only place beside New York that has the celebs and glitz that LA had. It didn't surprise me to see him go there.

[oNeWiNgEdAnGeL]

Funny thing now is, Lakers want to get Vlade Divac. :lol: :lol: :lol:

Great joke.. but what's the punchline? :twisted:

Sad thing is, it's not a joke.

w00t this will be the downfall of the lakers

The Lakers are alread downfallen.

Lakers were always in a downfall.

Funny thing now is, Lakers want to get Vlade Divac. :lol: :lol: :lol:


In the words of BigNick "Kings Suck" When was the last time the kings threepeated much less won a title or made the finals? If Lakers are downfallen what the hell are the kings or any other team for that fact besides san antonio and detroit?

Lakers are a joke. In the 2002 Game 6 Western Conference Finals, the Lakers had a 4th quarter free throw run. They shot 27 free throws in the 4th quarter alone.

[rjblazed]

Funny thing now is, Lakers want to get Vlade Divac. :lol: :lol: :lol:

Great joke.. but what's the punchline? :twisted:

Sad thing is, it's not a joke.

w00t this will be the downfall of the lakers

The Lakers are alread downfallen.

Lakers were always in a downfall.

Funny thing now is, Lakers want to get Vlade Divac. :lol: :lol: :lol:


In the words of BigNick "Kings Suck" When was the last time the kings threepeated much less won a title or made the finals? If Lakers are downfallen what the hell are the kings or any other team for that fact besides san antonio and detroit?

Lakers are a joke. In the 2002 Game 6 Western Conference Finals, the Lakers had a 4th quarter free throw run. They shot 27 free throws in the 4th quarter alone.


I think you forgot to answer my question of what have the kings ever done much less the last 5 years?

[anth0ny]

Funny thing now is, Lakers want to get Vlade Divac. :lol: :lol: :lol:

Great joke.. but what's the punchline? :twisted:

Sad thing is, it's not a joke.

w00t this will be the downfall of the lakers

The Lakers are alread downfallen.

Lakers were always in a downfall.

Funny thing now is, Lakers want to get Vlade Divac. :lol: :lol: :lol:


In the words of BigNick "Kings Suck" When was the last time the kings threepeated much less won a title or made the finals? If Lakers are downfallen what the hell are the kings or any other team for that fact besides san antonio and detroit?

Lakers are a joke. In the 2002 Game 6 Western Conference Finals, the Lakers had a 4th quarter free throw run. They shot 27 free throws in the 4th quarter alone.


I think you forgot to answer my question of what have the kings ever done much less the last 5 years?

Lose

[bignick]

I think you forgot to answer my question of what have the kings ever done much less the last 5 years?

Lose

LMAO

[magilacudy]

I think you forgot to answer my question of what have the kings ever done much less the last 5 years?

I think the new question is what are the Lakers going to do for the next 5 years without Shaq and Kobe.


Lose
Same answer.

[guyver2077]

go heat baby!!!!!!

i will miss odom and butler...thats alot of talent going over there

[rjblazed]

I think you forgot to answer my question of what have the kings ever done much less the last 5 years?

I think the new question is what are the Lakers going to do for the next 5 years without Shaq and Kobe.


Lose
Same answer.


Remains to be seen but we do know what has happend in the past 5 years and history isn't looking good for the kings. Lakers can be good with 2 more years of free agents. Almost any free agent would want to play in LA before most any other city besides new york.

[magilacudy]

I can't believe Rafe Alston jumped to Toronto. He would've provided some good backup or played 1 guard to Wade's 2.

As for Butler and Odom, that leaves a gaping hole in the lineup. I hope they sign some more players or Heat might be forced to play ZhiZhi Wang. :shock:

[magilacudy]

Remains to be seen but we do know what has happend in the past 5 years and history isn't looking good for the kings. Lakers can be good with 2 more years of free agents. Almost any free agent would want to play in LA before most any other city besides new york.

I don't know about that. Do the names Kareem and Wilt ring a bell? i.e. Centers who were traded by LA for chump change. History isn't looking too good for the current Lakers.

[CaseyRyback]

Dwayne Wade and Eddie Jones. Miami is now a force to be reckoned with. Now if only Stan Van Gundy knew what to do with all of that talent.

Stan Van Gundy turned that team around completely last year and they were one of the hottest teams near the end of the season. The fact is this man knows how to coach. He took the Heat for a great run in his first year as head coach and got them deep into the second round, not even Pat Riley could get that team into the playoffs for the past few years. I would say they did oputstanding when you remember that Dwayne Wade was a rookie and they rode his back throughout the playoffs. He was the rookie of the year, Carmello and LeBron just got all the hype.

Also as either Stepen A. Smith or Jim Grey pointed out, how many all-star games have Brian Grant, Lamar Odom, and Caron Butler been to? By trading for Shaq, the Heat set themselves up for success. They play in a really weak division and conference, where there are no big men(aside from the pistons).

Anyone who thinks this was a good trade for the Lakers is an idiot! Since Jerry West left that organization has been slowly sinking. Jerry Buss has show he wanted to run around and be an idiot and it is working. The fact that he thinks a guard is worth keeping over the most dominant player shows you how dumb the Lakers orginazation is.

Did anyone see the ESPN interview? What did Shaq say repeatedly? "Why do you get rid of a coach who through all types of turmoil got you to 4 NBA finals in 5 years?"

[rjblazed]

Remains to be seen but we do know what has happend in the past 5 years and history isn't looking good for the kings. Lakers can be good with 2 more years of free agents. Almost any free agent would want to play in LA before most any other city besides new york.

I don't know about that. Do the names Kareem and Wilt ring a bell? i.e. Centers who were traded by LA for chump change. History isn't looking too good for the current Lakers.


True but my point is they rebounded and were much better than the kings with in a couple years. I'm not saying they're going to win championships just that they will be better than the kings in 3 years or so.

[magilacudy]

True but my point is they rebounded and were much better than the kings with in a couple years. I'm not saying they're going to win championships just that they will be better than the kings in 3 years or so.

Well that was with competent management, which the Kings only started to have within the last decade, and the Lakers lost (when Jerry West went to Memphis).

I think its a toss-up who will be 'better'. However, in the short term, the Kings (and many other western conferences teams) look like they'll have an edge over LA which will be in rebuilding mode for years to come, especially in the toughest division in the NBA. I'm not saying that as a broad generalization but a supported inference.

[rjblazed]

I think its pretty much going to be san antonio's confrence for the near future.

[guyver2077]

wang is extremely popular.

[Lootr2Core]

w00t this will be the downfall of the lakers

The Lakers are alread downfallen.

Lakers were always in a downfall.

Funny thing now is, Lakers want to get Vlade Divac. :lol: :lol: :lol:

Umm how can one ALWAYS be in a downfall? doesn't downfall by defn mean coming down from a lofty point?

or is the Kings propaganda machine taking over :)

[Graystone]

w00t this will be the downfall of the lakers

ditto it is the laker brass way of getting back at them for not winning the ring

[Lootr2Core]

Maybe I missed it but has no one talked about the Basketball gods getting their revenge on the blasphemers? With Payton and Malone signing for cheap to "automatically win" a championship and then in the series basically the whole thing imploding with 1) Payton sucking 2) Malone getting hurt (which he had hardly ever done) 3) Shaq.. demanding a trade after the crap year. 4) Kobe.. rape/clippers.. take your pick 5) Luke Walton being talked about as a big perfomer, 6) Phil Jackson (I only coach when it is a sure thing) gets canned/resigned.. and now the Lakers face a very uncertain future..


AHh everything comes back into balance..

[Fatesealer]

They could always get rid of Rudy T and bring back Kurt Rambis as coach... ::sarcasm::

[magilacudy]

Maybe I missed it but has no one talked about the Basketball gods getting their revenge on the blasphemers? With Payton and Malone signing for cheap to "automatically win" a championship and then in the series basically the whole thing imploding with 1) Payton sucking 2) Malone getting hurt (which he had hardly ever done) 3) Shaq.. demanding a trade after the crap year. 4) Kobe.. rape/clippers.. take your pick 5) Luke Walton being talked about as a big perfomer, 6) Phil Jackson (I only coach when it is a sure thing) gets canned/resigned.. and now the Lakers face a very uncertain future..


AHh everything comes back into balance..

AGREED'D

[rjblazed]

w00t this will be the downfall of the lakers

The Lakers are alread downfallen.

Lakers were always in a downfall.

Funny thing now is, Lakers want to get Vlade Divac. :lol: :lol: :lol:

Umm how can one ALWAYS be in a downfall? doesn't downfall by defn mean coming down from a lofty point?

or is the Kings propaganda machine taking over :)

Yea if they've been on a downfall i can't wait to see what they do when they reach the top maybe 7 or 8 titles in a row lol.

[Archie Gates]

This is not the Lakers' fault, it's Shaq. Unlike other stars like Garnett and Duncan who took a pay cut to allow their teams to acquire talent, Shaq's contract pays him about $30 million PER year the next two years. We have seen Shaq's numbers decline over the past couple seasons while his weight grows. But, rather than sign an contract extension for a fair amount (the Lakers offered $22.5 million per year) Shaq actually wanted a pay RAISE for 3-4 years from now, when he's well on the decline. The reason why the Lakers lost to the Pistons was because they didn't have anyone on the bench, because of Shaq's fat contract eating up 2/3 of the entire roster.

He has not played more than 67 regular season games the last few seasons because of injuries, and it's only going to get worse. One season ending injury and the Heat will be done for the year. Shaq has a couple good years left in him and then he will be just like Hakeem and Ewing past their prime.

The Lakers made a tough decision, but the right decision. They're paying the 25 year old superstar who will still only make HALF of what the aging Shaq was asking. Shaq will be retired for years while Kobe is in his peak playing for the Lakers, with better talent around him because of the lack of a 37 year old Shaq and his fat contract.

[Lootr2Core]

w00t this will be the downfall of the lakers

The Lakers are alread downfallen.

Lakers were always in a downfall.

Funny thing now is, Lakers want to get Vlade Divac. :lol: :lol: :lol:

Umm how can one ALWAYS be in a downfall? doesn't downfall by defn mean coming down from a lofty point?

or is the Kings propaganda machine taking over :)

Yea if they've been on a downfall i can't wait to see what they do when they reach the top maybe 7 or 8 titles in a row lol.


I bet most teams wish they were in that "supposed' downfall

[anth0ny]

i dont get why people conclude that the Lakers got rid of Phil. I commend him for the great run (4 finals in 5 years) but he was not looking forward to come back. He wasnt fired ; only wasnt invited back. He asked for the huge contract extension because he knows no one in the right mind would fulfill it. So he retired and went back to Montana.

[rjblazed]

Most teams wish thats what they were doing at their peak much less downfall.

[Lootr2Core]

This is not the Lakers' fault, it's Shaq. Unlike other stars like Garnett and Duncan who took a pay cut to allow their teams to acquire talent, Shaq's contract pays him about $30 million PER year the next two years. We have seen Shaq's numbers decline over the past couple seasons while his weight grows. But, rather than sign an contract extension for a fair amount (the Lakers offered $22.5 million per year) Shaq actually wanted a pay RAISE for 3-4 years from now, when he's well on the decline. The reason why the Lakers lost to the Pistons was because they didn't have anyone on the bench, because of Shaq's fat contract eating up 2/3 of the entire roster.

He has not played more than 67 regular season games the last few seasons because of injuries, and it's only going to get worse. One season ending injury and the Heat will be done for the year. Shaq has a couple good years left in him and then he will be just like Hakeem and Ewing past their prime.

The Lakers made a tough decision, but the right decision. They're paying the 25 year old superstar who will still only make HALF of what the aging Shaq was asking. Shaq will be retired for years while Kobe is in his peak playing for the Lakers, with better talent around him because of the lack of a 37 year old Shaq and his fat contract.

Hey just want to make a point of clarification.. I love the T'wolves and KG but KG didn't exactly take a pay cut.. he signed his last contract before the salary cap went into effect.. so when that contract was up he HAD to sign for cheaper.. Although you are right as well that he COULD have signed for more but wanted to get Spree.

[CaseyRyback]

i dont get why people conclude that the Lakers got rid of Phil. I commend him for the great run (4 finals in 5 years) but he was not looking forward to come back. He wasnt fired ; only wasnt invited back. He asked for the huge contract extension because he knows no one in the right mind would fulfill it. So he retired and went back to Montana.

It probably had more to do with him no longer sleeping with the boss's daughter than anything else

[Lootr2Core]

This is not the Lakers' fault, it's Shaq. Unlike other stars like Garnett and Duncan who took a pay cut to allow their teams to acquire talent, Shaq's contract pays him about $30 million PER year the next two years. We have seen Shaq's numbers decline over the past couple seasons while his weight grows. But, rather than sign an contract extension for a fair amount (the Lakers offered $22.5 million per year) Shaq actually wanted a pay RAISE for 3-4 years from now, when he's well on the decline. The reason why the Lakers lost to the Pistons was because they didn't have anyone on the bench, because of Shaq's fat contract eating up 2/3 of the entire roster.

He has not played more than 67 regular season games the last few seasons because of injuries, and it's only going to get worse. One season ending injury and the Heat will be done for the year. Shaq has a couple good years left in him and then he will be just like Hakeem and Ewing past their prime.

The Lakers made a tough decision, but the right decision. They're paying the 25 year old superstar who will still only make HALF of what the aging Shaq was asking. Shaq will be retired for years while Kobe is in his peak playing for the Lakers, with better talent around him because of the lack of a 37 year old Shaq and his fat contract.


A P.S. I think you are right on in your analysis. (Of Course I have just detested Shaqs play style ((note Shaq maybe fine as a human but I've never liked watching him play basketballl)). Shaq will be past his prime (especially with his weight) when his contract is up. I think he thinks he is back in the Blue Chip days when he can ask for anything and get it. Lakers would be dumb I believe to give a contract extension. It is always smarter to trade a GREAT player a year or 2 to early then keeping a great player a year or 3 too long

[Lootr2Core]

i dont get why people conclude that the Lakers got rid of Phil. I commend him for the great run (4 finals in 5 years) but he was not looking forward to come back. He wasnt fired ; only wasnt invited back. He asked for the huge contract extension because he knows no one in the right mind would fulfill it. So he retired and went back to Montana.

It probably had more to do with him no longer sleeping with the boss's daughter than anything else

Or perhaps he was not longer pleasing to her....?

(calling Mike ditka..)

[anth0ny]

This is not the Lakers' fault, it's Shaq. Unlike other stars like Garnett and Duncan who took a pay cut to allow their teams to acquire talent, Shaq's contract pays him about $30 million PER year the next two years. We have seen Shaq's numbers decline over the past couple seasons while his weight grows. But, rather than sign an contract extension for a fair amount (the Lakers offered $22.5 million per year) Shaq actually wanted a pay RAISE for 3-4 years from now, when he's well on the decline. The reason why the Lakers lost to the Pistons was because they didn't have anyone on the bench, because of Shaq's fat contract eating up 2/3 of the entire roster.

He has not played more than 67 regular season games the last few seasons because of injuries, and it's only going to get worse. One season ending injury and the Heat will be done for the year. Shaq has a couple good years left in him and then he will be just like Hakeem and Ewing past their prime.

The Lakers made a tough decision, but the right decision. They're paying the 25 year old superstar who will still only make HALF of what the aging Shaq was asking. Shaq will be retired for years while Kobe is in his peak playing for the Lakers, with better talent around him because of the lack of a 37 year old Shaq and his fat contract.


A P.S. I think you are right on in your analysis. (Of Course I have just detested Shaqs play style ((note Shaq maybe fine as a human but I've never liked watching him play basketballl)). Shaq will be past his prime (especially with his weight) when his contract is up. I think he thinks he is back in the Blue Chip days when he can ask for anything and get it. Lakers would be dumb I believe to give a contract extension. It is always smarter to trade a GREAT player a year or 2 to early then keeping a great player a year or 3 too long


According to Shaq, he hasn't hit his prime yet :roll:

[Lootr2Core]

i dont get why people conclude that the Lakers got rid of Phil. I commend him for the great run (4 finals in 5 years) but he was not looking forward to come back. He wasnt fired ; only wasnt invited back. He asked for the huge contract extension because he knows no one in the right mind would fulfill it. So he retired and went back to Montana.

What does Phil Jackson have in common with the Unabomber?

They both have outrageous demands, have dorky facial hair, and live in montana.. (now if Will Ferrel would do a Phil Jackson impersonation..)

[magilacudy]

According to Shaq, he hasn't hit his prime yet :roll:

I don't know... we haven't seen a focused, angry, off-season trained Shaq, well ever.

[rjblazed]

According to Shaq, he hasn't hit his prime yet :roll:

Nope he tripped over it and is falling away from it very fast.

[anth0ny]

I don't know... we haven't seen a focused, angry, off-season trained Shaq, well ever.

1999-2000 season was his year

[CaseyRyback]

I love how everyone from CA seems to rag on Shaq since he is gone. In his worst season he had over 20 PPG.

Also if anyone saw any of the Lakers games towards the end of the season, you notice Kobe taking a hell of a lot of shots and never looking for Shaq.

Just watch and see what happens when Shaq becomes the no.1 option again.

[rjblazed]

Shaq said it himself he's gonna be a monster in the east because he's pissed and the east has no big men, he got beat up and challenged in the west. I don't rag on shaq i just think he's closer to the end while kobe is closer to his prime. Do you want 7 years at less money or 2 years at an outrageous amount?

[anth0ny]

I love how everyone from CA seems to rag on Shaq since he is gone. In his worst season he had over 20 PPG.

Also if anyone saw any of the Lakers games towards the end of the season, you notice Kobe taking a hell of a lot of shots and never looking for Shaq.

Just watch and see what happens when Shaq becomes the no.1 option again.

not ragging on him cause he left, he lost whats left of his credibility because of his selfish attitude and showing disrespect towards the Lakers organization

[Lootr2Core]

Just watch and see what happens when Shaq becomes the no.1 option again.


Whoa.. is that a threat there casey? WATCH OUT... he's gonna getya!

note to self... lock doors, load gun, and get ready for shaq!

[magilacudy]

I love how everyone from CA seems to rag on Shaq since he is gone. In his worst season he had over 20 PPG.


In the Lakers' fans defense, they can't think of anything but these two points: Lakers are the best, anybody who isn't the Lakers sucks.

So to sum up what goes through their mind right now... Shaq = not Laker. Shaq = suck.

Any other logic doesn't work for those Cali heads. :wink:

not ragging on him cause he left, he lost whats left of his credibility because of his selfish attitude and showing disrespect towards the Lakers organization

What Boozer did, that could be considered selfish. With Shaq, Lakers didn't bother to negotiate with him for the most part, and seemingly coddled Kobe throughout everything. If anything they disrespected Shaq for what he brought to the organization.

[tenzor]

if the lakers can re-sign kobe bryant they will be in great shape. Rudy is a good coach and already has two nba titles, he is also well respected and can coach the lakers to another championship. Think of the chicago bulls when they had Jackson as coach, and Pippen and Jordan as their two stars....that trio along with their team brought in 6 nba titles during the 90s. Now look at it today....Kobe is considered the Jordan today and with help from another role player like Pippen (Odom) and with a great coach like Rudy the lakers are still a championship team. Not to mention they still have Payton and if Malone stays him as well. So bottom line for the lakers is just to get Kobe to stay and they will be fine. As for Shaq, he helped the city of LA win those three titles so you can't really say he ain't good. His ego just got the better of him, but I think he will help Miami out and make them title contenders. Wade and Eddie Jones are outstanding players that can help Shaq bring a title to Miami. All the heat need to do is get better fowards since they lost all of them to get shaq.

[anth0ny]

What Boozer did, that could be considered selfish. With Shaq, Lakers didn't bother to negotiate with him for the most part, and seemingly coddled Kobe throughout everything. If anything they disrespected Shaq for what he brought to the organization.


shaq's fate was already set in stone once he declined Buss' generous offer back in February not to mention he ran his mouth and said Mitch is not the GM of the Lakers, and that he was. Shaq brought this all upon himself.

[CaseyRyback]

What Boozer did, that could be considered selfish. With Shaq, Lakers didn't bother to negotiate with him for the most part, and seemingly coddled Kobe throughout everything. If anything they disrespected Shaq for what he brought to the organization.


shaq's fate was already set in stone once he declined Buss' generous offer back in February not to mention he ran his mouth and said Mitch is not the GM of the Lakers, and that he was. Shaq brought this all upon himself.

C'mon. Since day one Kobe has been the chosen one. Never once have I heard Buss say he wants Shaq to finish his career with the Lakers, yet he wants Kobe to be a Laker for life. Where was Jerry Buss last Christmas? He was not at Shaq's house.

Shaq knows he is the most dominant player in the game, and that Kobe will always be the one the Lakers orginzation picks as their favorite. They would not have gotten rid of Phil had Kobe no been critical of him ( and to the person who said he wanted too much money, they offered Coach K 8 million a year, if we take that figure into account Phil is worth at least 15 as he only has one more finger to put a ring on and coach K still needs two just to fill up one hand).

When all you lakers fans rejoice at the signing of Kobe, just remember, it cost you the most dominant player and one of the best coaches the league has ever seen.

[captainfrizo]

I don't think that the loss of Shaq will automatically lead to the downfall of the Lakers. LA was treated to having two of the greatest players in the game on the same team.

San Antonio only has one superstar, so does Minnesota. Their stars are surrounded by good talent. Kobe will have that talent in Odom and Butler. Gary Payton is under contract there as well and will play or be delt. Losing Shaq reduces the odds of Laker domination, but don't count the Lakers out since they know resemble the rest of the West. If Kobe truly is the next Michael Jordan then the Lakers will be a contender. I'm not a Lakers fan, but counting them out is silly at this point.

Now, if Kobe goes elsewhere the Lakers will be out of it for several years, but until then don't write off the Lakers just yet.

As for Shaq being in the East, he could have some of the most productive years of his career up ahead of him since no-one is a true threat to him. Add Wade and Jones to the mix and they do have a legit chance and should make it deep into the playoffs.

The only thing for certain this season is this - the Bobcats are doomed.

[Mustang O-Line 75]

oh, I miss shaq already.

It's time to pick up all the clearanced target shaq merchandise.

[CaseyRyback]

I don't think that the loss of Shaq will automatically lead to the downfall of the Lakers. LA was treated to having two of the greatest players in the game on the same team.

San Antonio only has one superstar, so does Minnesota. Their stars are surrounded by good talent. Kobe will have that talent in Odom and Butler. Gary Payton is under contract there as well and will play or be delt. Losing Shaq reduces the odds of Laker domination, but don't count the Lakers out since they know resemble the rest of the West. If Kobe truly is the next Michael Jordan then the Lakers will be a contender. I'm not a Lakers fan, but counting them out is silly at this point.

Now, if Kobe goes elsewhere the Lakers will be out of it for several years, but until then don't write off the Lakers just yet.

As for Shaq being in the East, he could have some of the most productive years of his career up ahead of him since no-one is a true threat to him. Add Wade and Jones to the mix and they do have a legit chance and should make it deep into the playoffs.

The only thing for certain this season is this - the Bobcats are doomed.

the difference, their stars are over 6'11''

[tenzor]

oh, I miss shaq already.

It's time to pick up all the clearanced target shaq merchandise.

lol, i have a shaq figure and a picture of shaq,kobe,malone and payton....I wonder if they will be worth anything in a few years.

[ex0]

Watch Shaq bobbleheads skyrocket in price.

[magilacudy]

San Antonio only has one superstar, so does Minnesota. Their stars are surrounded by good talent. Kobe will have that talent in Odom and Butler.
...
the Lakers out since they know resemble the rest of the West. If Kobe truly is the next Michael Jordan then the Lakers will be a contender. I'm not a Lakers fan, but counting them out is silly at this point.


There's more differences than meets the eye. SA has a commitment to team defense similar to the Pistons. Minnesota has 2 former all-stars complementing arguably the most versatile player in the NBA. Those scenarios are not likely to happen under Rudy T, who is not known as a defensive guru, and has won his titles with a dominant big man.

How easily LA natives forget Odom's stint in the Western Conference. He struggled while on the Clips, and was labelled soft. His breakout performance last season could be attributed to being moved to an undersized conference. Grant also is in over his head. He struggled to get boards against Eastern teams. I have respect for Butler, he was decent statswise in fantasy basketball.

With other West teams bulking up their front courts (read Utah, Denver even Memphis (!) ) the Lakers suddenly look pale and sickly, and I'm not talking about Luke Walton. You better pray to Jack Nicholson that Kobe re-signs because things are looking bleak from this side of the country.

Oh, and Hornets are pretty much doomed as well.

[Javery]

I still don't get how anyone can think that trading the most dominant player in the league is not a dumbass move. He may be "past his prime" or whatever you want to label him as just because he is not performing like he once did but even 80% of what he used to be is still miles better than every other center in the league. His presence in the middle affects the entire game around him like no other player.

Also, factoring in Kobe makes no sense right now because (1) he still might not sign with the Lakers, (2) he might sign with the Lakers and be watching from jail or (3) he might sign with the Lakers and perform merely above average instead of great because teams can now double team him the entire season without worrying about Shaq in the middle. Shaq was under contract. I still think the Lakers are dumbasses.

[ElfAngel7]

for now, i know that he has a huge head.

[rjblazed]

Kobe staying wiith the Lakers.

[The Successful Dropout]

who else read the title of this thread as Fu(k officially traded to the Heat? This word replacement has ruined me.