First, i can remember shaq playing so dominant last year. the mvp votes were so lob-sided (and it should have been because shaq was clearly the most valuable)........is it just that kobb has become a ball hog and wants to be "the man" all the time? or is it just because shaq just isnt as good as he was last year? maybe shaq now thinks that because he has won the title, because he has won the mvp, that he has proved himself, and thinks that he doesnt have to play as hard? anyway, just another viewpoint ------------------ "A Champion team will always beat a team of Champions"
Shaq looks a little heavier and slower this year, but he isn't the focal point of the offense as much this year either. Also like a lot of other teams after winning a championship they are sleep walking thru the regular season. Be intewresting to see if they can turn "it" on before or during the playoffs.
Shaq has gotten a lot heavier. In fact, it seems a lot of the Lakers have picked up weight this season. Kobe is pissed about. Kobe feels that "All [we] do is play basketball, run up and down the basketball court and get paid millions of dollars to do it... So, I don't see what the big deal is; we should be in shape." Anyway, Shaq is on a diet and Phil Jackson thinks that the rush to lose weight is costing Shaq enery at game time. But Jackson doesn't mind, so long as Shaq is in condition by the playoffs. http://www.ocregister.com/sports/lakno00123cci.shtml ------------------ [This message has been edited by JeffB (edited January 23, 2001).]
They should suspend him (without pay) till he gets in shape ------------------ When we tire of well-worn ways, we seek for new. This restless craving in the souls of men spurs them to climb, and to seek the mountain view. -- Ella Wheeler Wilcox
I don't think I've ever seen the lakers show the heart of a champion, so i'm not underestimating. ------------------
Kobe is a cancer to Shaq and the Lakers. Still, there is one thing that separates Shaq from Hakeem. Shaq has no jumper. Once he loses his speed and strength, he will be nothing but a rebounder. Hakeem, on the other hand, still has an effecive array of jumpers and fadeaways. ------------------ "Rarely is the question asked: Is our children learning how to put food on their family while being put to death."
Once that happens, he will already have retired. He has great conditioning and work ethic(well he did last year, this year he doesnt look as fit). Shaq will probably be like MJ, he's already won his title and will want to retire around 35. ------------------ President of the Charles Barkley fan club...Oh he retired? When?
Shaq will never be like MJ (who has his SIX rings). He hasn't really shown much of a work ethic throughout his career. Last year was the only year that he was in really good shape, and after winning he regressed to his old ways this year. ------------------
But like MJ, Shaq won his first title at 28,29 year old range. The Lakers are just as much title contenders for the next 5 years, as they were last year. IMHO, the Lakers are still the best team in the west. ------------------ President of the Charles Barkley fan club...Oh he retired? When?
Another difference between the two is that Shaq will never be the clutch player that jordan was because shaq can't make a free throw. ------------------
Shaq is frustrated with not being "the man" for the very first time. his effort on defense and in boards shows it. Eventually, probably next season, one of them will have to go. As far as Shaq spiralling to nothingness (a la Ewing, which is really sad to watch), he said recently what he has said since he was a rookie and that is that he wants to play for only ten years. He's coming up on that really quick. We'll see if he holds to that. PS- I'm a MAJOR Suns fan, but I find this board to be too good a format to not be a part of it. It's pretty informative and interesting too. I live in AZ, but I stumbled onto this board, so be gentle. If not, I'll beat yer ass!!!!!!! ------------------ Metalhead til I die!!!!!!!!!
Hey Rusted Peace, what part of arizona are you from? I'm from around tucson. And I hope shaq retires after next season, which would be his tenth. ------------------
I don't know why everybody wants to compare superstar players of today to Michael Jordan. Shaq could very well win 3 or 4 championship before he retires. Other then Russell, what other Hall-of-famer has won 6 rings? Pippen isn't a hall-of-famer in my eyes. Shaq's problem is that he is banged up and is a little overweight. If you look, players tend to slow down more the deeper they get into the playoffs, it carries over to the following year. Shaq is the man on the Lakers. If Kobe Bryant has to be the man the Lakers aren't going any further then the 2nd round. ------------------ Rocks2001 in disguise. . .
Although I don't think Pippen was good enough individually to deserve being in the Hall of Fame, I think he benefited enough from playing with MJ to ride Michael's coattails into the HOF. ------------------
