i believe that was the first time he got the ovation. ive heard plenty of boo's, especially the first time he played here.
Shaq took Orlando to the Finals with Penny. I will not dispute that Shaq had a lot of help from Kobe, but I think Shaq was the more valuable contributor from that duo. Ask yourself this: If you were were coaching a team playing against the Lakers, which player would you rather not face, Shaq or Kobe?
It's not even a dispute, no one is stupid enough to claim Kobe was anywhere near as vital to the Lakers' success as Shaq was; check the Lakers' record when Shaq was out vs. when Kobe was out. Big men as dominant as Shaq are always more valuable and impactful than guards, the only exception was Michael Jordan, that's why he's the greatest ever.
A bunch of Laker fans hated Shaq because of his big toe, his FT problems, and as a result how he wasn't there for the final moments of a close game. Since Kobe wanted and made most of the big shots, those fans liked him more. I was more of a Shaq person and after Kobe's trial, it was undisputed...
Yeah, Wade is a better player than Odom. However, I don't think the Lakers are even close to exploting even 80% of Odom's full potential. He is playing at about 75% right now. Odom still has trouble figuring out when to assert himself, and I think his recent fights with Kobe reflects that the two stars, while civil to each other, do not really respect each other enough to go to war for one another. I've always been a Shaq person, too. Shaq is not just a force of nature, but an all-around nice guy, as well. I don't see Kobe donating police squad cards or handing out toys in South Central.
I think in this case the fans were left with a bit of a sour taste in their mouth about the way he went out. I think that happened a little bit with Steve which is where the booing came in there. If your final memory of a guy is negative then that lingers, no matter how much other good stuff there was.
The Laker board is still bitter about Shaq. They refer to him as Snaq all the time... Deep down, they wish he was still there.
