http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=stein_marc&id=1633516 Looks like a lot of Yao vs Shaq for the future.
I think the decision for the Lakers should be relatively simple: If Kobe resigns with the team, extend O'Neal. If Kobe leaves via FA, then don't. IMO, the Lakers are playoff caliber with O'Neal or Kobe, but they are championship caliber with both. If Kobe leaves, I see no reason to have your championship hopes depend on a heavy set, 32 year old center with a an emerging history of foor and knee problems, much less, paying that player almost half of your salary cap. If Kobe is to leave, based on the 1 year signings of Payton and Malone, then this might be LA's last shot at another ring.
Shaq is at a crossroads. He will either get serious about conditioning and end up breaking records or be out of the league in 2-3 years. From all indications he showed up this year ready to play
To be honest, I'm really glad about this. If Yao is ever to be considered a great one, he'll have to go head to head with another great one and beat him, as opposed to being percieved of as merely inheriting the mantle of best merely out of the lack of an alternative. It was just that perception, IMO, which kept Hakeem from getting the credit due him until later in his career.
One thing I know is that Shaq will break down much faster than Hakeem, Kareem, Wilt. He has to carry so much weight and his game mostly relies on his athletic ability. When he can't mow people down in the paint, he will not be a threat. But it will be good for Yao to go against Shaq when he is still at his prime. More drama!
After 2 years, Shaq will come to Houston and plays as the backup center. He will get about 10 minutes playing time in average
He's trying to get yet another extension. His agent is telling him to quit talking about retiring at 35. He won't make it. I give him 2 more years before the body really starts to breakdown.
No i think alot of people remember how shaq demolist the Old olajuwon the old ewing and the old robinson. if shaq stops in 2 years yao wil not have a chance to dethrone him. because within the next 2 years yao will not be better then Shaq.
Yeah, and additionally, Shaq plays in L.A. When you play in L.A., N.Y., or Chicago, the one thing you need rarely fear is being ignored or underrated...
