<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The NBA playoffs grind on, and that queer sensation of something-not-quite-right won't go away. Could it be the Wizards in the second round? As well as the SuperSonics? Odd doings, certainly. The Bulls sticking around for seven games even without Michael Jordan? The Nuggets hanging around past the regular season? All that is NBA exotica, sure. But it's more than that. This nagging feeling of something significant amiss ... What could it be about these playoffs? Oh, yeah. THE LAKERS AREN'T IN THEM! If this is Mother's Day, the Lakes should be progressing into the Western Conference semifinals. Probably as the favorites. Eight consecutive West-semis appearances, and 9-of-10. Followed by five turns in the conference finals, in seven seasons. There are kids in high school who have no memory of the NBA playoffs without the Lakers. Seeing as how it last happened in 1994. And anyone of middle-school age or younger? No recollection of Mother's Day without the Lakers going strong. Considering that last occurred in 1996. The Lakers packed the gear back on April 20. But to most of us, it just gets stranger to think of NBA Big Games without Jerry Buss' team in them. As we come to grips with this unnatural state, it's time to assess the train wreck that was the 2004-05 season, and offer some advice to Lakers management. First, the absence of Phil Jackson and Shaquille O'Neal. Could this have been prevented? Probably not. Phil was burned out; it happens to the Zen master. He does 5-6 years, then he needs a year in Xanadu or Shangri-la, or wherever it is burned-out former hippies go to regenerate. He was asking $7 million a season from Buss, hoping he wouldn't get it, and there you are. And even if he'd stuck around, could Phil have gone 45-37 (to qualify for the playoffs this season) with what was left? OK, Shaq. Did the Big Infant have to be traded? Well, yes, if you want to keep free agent Kobe Bryant, who had zero interest in another season or three with Phil and Shaq. And for all Kobe's faults, he is 26, in shape, makes spectacular shots and sinks his free throws. Shaq is 33, in shape for the first (and probably last) time since 2000, limited to dunks and layups, and clanks his free throws. So, really, choosing between Shaq and Kobe, long-term? Easy call. Go for the flashy fan favorite, who figures to be scoring 30 a night years after Shaq is reduced to taking up space in the lane and getting snippy when somebody asks about his weight. Plus, let's recall: The Phil-Shaq-Kobe thing had three great years, 2000-02. The wheels came off in the conference semis two years ago, and then the Lakes were embarrassed in the NBA Finals by the Detroit Pistons last June. </div> Source
And for all Kobe's faults, he is 26, in shape, makes spectacular shots and sinks his free throws. Shaq is 33, in shape for the first (and probably last) time since 2000, limited to dunks and layups, and clanks his free throws ^^^
^^ You said it brotha. When shaquille retires in a few years (sad day for me on one hand, and not on the other) Kobe with good play and media as well with wins can overcome all the hate, well the majority. Example : Ray Lewis, Middle Linebacker for the NFL Baltimore Ravens. Was charged with Murder, people was bashing him.... he ended up beating the charge and getting a lesser "obstruction of justice" charge.... the season following he cemented his name as one of if not the greatest defensive players ever to play the game, a very well respected player and superbowl MVP. My point is, Winning makes people forget, winning and dominance make people shut up. I love ray lewis and thats not because he plays for my hometown Ravens (by the way i dare say no athlete in any sport gets an ovation in their home stadium as Ray Lewis id say, unreal)...its because hes been through alot and perserveard.... JUST like Kobe Bean Bryant has, and always will. LA wont stay down for long. And as i said before, reguardless of what the media say or do....i will be watching every Laker game(love satelite) no matter what, cause im a Laker fan....and thats what we do.
