It seems like to me alot of people may not want to Lakers to win because it would bring Shaq up to the level of Dream (winning a championship). I know there is a lot of bad feelings to the Lakers since they have had such a dynasty during the 80's that potentially kept the Rockets out of the finals a few more times, and they get so much press. But it seems like to me there may be people out there that really don't want LA to win because it would bring Shaq up to the championship level of Dream. Will anyone actually admit to this or can you actually say it is because you despise the Lakers? I can honestly say I don't want to Blazers to win because of #33. I honestly despise him. It sickened me to see him hit that big 3 last night. I also don't like Shedds attitude either, but I despise Portland because of #33. ------------------
I don't mind the Lakers winning a title again. I just don't want it to happen this year. It's really kind of funny, I actually like Shaq, Kobe and Phil. I just can't stand the media treatment. NBC makes me root for the East coast, or any underdog. I'm worried that if they do win it this year then Phil will be put on a pedestal and praised as the god of all things basketball. I like aspects of Phil Jackson. He, obviously, knows how to get all types of personalities together on the same page. He is great at working with egos of all types. Mentally and motivationally I think he is right up there. I can't judge his actual coaching skills. I know that he has the originator of the triangle offense as his assistant, he always has. I also know that both of his coaching jobs were situations where he inhereted the game's most dominant player. You be the judge. Shaq is an awesome presence, no doubt. He has mad skills and abilities. Maybe one day he will reach a crossroads in his life and choose to dedicate himself to be the best player that he can actually be. His idol, Hakeem, did that and we all know how great he became. Kobe has the potential to be an incredible player and person. Take away all that NBC crap and I bet that Kobe is everyone's favorite player! He is a smart and talented person. He is wiser than his age in many aspects. Besides, he seems like a cool guy with a good attitude. I know all of this. I don't need NBC telling me that every second of every game they broadcast. Maybe they should consider hyping people that actually need hyping. Players with mad skills don't need others hyping them. They tend to get noticed just fine on their own. ------------------ RocketFuel is taking the summer off!
I'll admit it. I don't want Shaq to get a ring. But not because he will have what Dream has, but because in my eyes, Shaq is not a leader nor a winner. The Big Aristotle has been about money and fame his whole career. Many people have accused Barkley of not "dedicating" himself completely to winning a ring. But I can tell you that Shaq could easily be accused of the same thing. The fact he stated publicly that "he never cared" before about his free throw shooting (he was asked why he has improved it this year) is proof enough for me. If he was a leader, Phil Jackson would not have to bench him late in games, he would shoot better than 54% from the line, and he would quit making bad rap records and work on his game. All those times then, when the game was on the line and other teams were playing "hack-a-Shaq," he didn't care???? Interesting. ------------------ HOOP-T Hey Shaq, Acme called, and they want their bricks back!
