It would, and I would bet that they would win the championship with LeBron and Shaq together. (kinda like Shaq and Kobe right?) lol
Really? I don't know, maybe I'm too blindfolded by Kobe, Pau, Odom, and Bynum, but the thought of Shaq and LeBron doesn't close the gap enough for the Cavaliers IMO. We handled them pretty well and Shaq hasn't helped Phoenix beat us at all. In fact, I believe Phoenix with Shaq is winless against us. Shaq isn't what he used to be. This trade wouldn't worry me and I've read that it is very unlikely to go down.
It's a brilliant trade if the Cavs can pull it off. Their system fits Shaq's game and having him would help reduce the burden on Big Z. If it doesn't work out they can always unload Shaq next year because of his massive expiring contract.
I think Shaq would just clog the lane for LeBron to operate. I think this trade would possibly put them over the Celtics, but not the Lakers.
Sorry, Shaq woudln't just clog the lane for LeBron to operate. As you said this trade could put them over the Celtics and on par with the Lakers, obviously that wouldn't be the result of someone just "clogging the lane".
Not on par with the Lakers. The Lakers' have handled LeBron this year. Kobe does an excellent job at guarding him. If anything, it puts them ahead of the Celtics, but behind the Lakers', still.
I think it would make the Cavs more competitive with the Lakers. What we have seen this season when the Cavs have played the Lakers is the Cavs being dominated on the inside, failing to put bodies on the likes of Gasol, Bynum and Odom for long stretches of the game. Adding Shaq gives the Cavs the option of playing two 7-footers side-by-side if necessary, keeping good defense and improving the offense. I wouldn't like to lose Sasha, as he was returning to his great play recently, but his new ankle sprain will likely hinder him for the rest of the season.
Oh, I completely agree that Shaq would make you guys more competitive with us. Odom killed you guys on the inside a couple of weeks ago. The one advantage I think we would still have over you guys with our bigs if you do pull off the Shaq deal would be Gasol, Odom, and Bynum are all quicker than Big Z and Shaq. Any chance the Cavs make a last minute run at either Paul Milsap (sp) or Carlos Boozer (would they take him back?)? Our big advnatage was on the boards over you guys and either of those two would help you guys out.
Awesome trade! Cavs get a solid center who has playoff experience and it would be fun to see what Shaq says about LeBron.
I'm not entirely sure what I think about taking Boozer back. I saw it mentioned somewhere and, to be honest, I think I'd be all for it. Right now what matters is making this team into a team that can compete for a Championship this year and for years to come. Boozer is probably the best player who might be available (aside from Amare) in this respect (for the future, not just this year and next). That being said, it's a tricky area for the Cavs fans in general and ultimately it will depend on what LeBron James wants.