November 18, 200817 yr :thumb::thumb::thumb: A lot of the reasons people hated Kobe. I wonder if the haters will go away now. It becomes more obvious with time that Shaq was, at the least, equally responsible for the drama and eventual split in LA-LA land. And, I never understood how Kobe could be faulted for wanting Shaq to get in shape and up his dedication to the team. Kobe's desire to win is second to none...I'm sure that can manifest itself in ways that might grate on people. But, I'd rather have a guy like that, as opposed to the opposite. Shaq can be a funny guy at times, and I've enjoyed some of his sound bytes. But, I've never really liked him. It was more difficult for me to be a Lakers fan when he was there. Despite the lack of titles since his departure, I like the team much better now. Second to none? I heard an interview with Kobe shortly after their split, where someone asked if one of the reasons was because he wanted to prove he can win one on his own. And he even said that he wanted to prove that he didn't need Shaq to win a championship. If Kobe's desire to win was second to none, he would have been just fine winning a couple more championships like they would have. Then proving after Shaq retired, that he could win one without him. At that time Kobe was a very selfish person. However now I will say he has changed some over the years, and does seem to be a team player and really does just care about winning and thats all.
November 18, 200817 yr Because he makes jokes and is joyful, 99% give Shaq a pass on the whole L.A. debacle. That may be part of the reason. The other part is because he was the most dominant player ever to step foot on the NBA courts. For those of you who claim that Shaq has become a self-promoting sideshow: Have you seen his stats this year?
November 18, 200817 yr His scrabble commercial is pretty funny though. Maybe it's just that my grandmother loved scrabble.... Where did you get all the q's?
November 18, 200817 yr Shaq needs the Lakers more than they will ever need him again. I guess he sees his career winding down and has came to the conclusion he's not going to get a title with the Suns.
November 18, 200817 yr That may be part of the reason. The other part is because he was the most dominant player ever to step foot on the NBA courts. For those of you who claim that Shaq has become a self-promoting sideshow: Have you seen his stats this year? Like he is going to keep that up over 82 games. Heck Kobe averages over 50 for like 10 games before. It's still early.
November 18, 200817 yr Like he is going to keep that up over 82 games. Heck Kobe averages over 50 for like 10 games before. It's still early. I'm just saying that the man is still producing. If used properly, Shaq can still be very, very effective. And he's made a lot more FT's this year, so far.
November 19, 200817 yr ^A shade under 60% from the line for the season. His averages of 15 and 8, if he keeps it up, would be good for the second worst season of his career. He can still be effective if used properly...but "effective if used properly" is a far cry from what he once was. The point being, his game isn't good enough to keep him in the spotlight anymore. 15 and 8 is hardly headline material.
November 19, 200817 yr That may be part of the reason. The other part is because he was the most dominant player ever to step foot on the NBA courts. For those of you who claim that Shaq has become a self-promoting sideshow: Have you seen his stats this year? I am not faulting Shaq for being a self promoter. Even during the prime of his career he was. All went well until Shazam at least.
November 20, 200817 yr Shaq wouldn't be a good fit for the Lakers with the personnel that they have now and will have then. He is also getting old. Shaq would be a great influence on the younger guys. I think if he put the time with Bynum like the past greats did with him, Bynum could be an all-star
November 20, 200817 yr ^A shade under 60% from the line for the season. His averages of 15 and 8, if he keeps it up, would be good for the second worst season of his career. He can still be effective if used properly...but "effective if used properly" is a far cry from what he once was. The point being, his game isn't good enough to keep him in the spotlight anymore. 15 and 8 is hardly headline material. Is it a matter of headline material with Shaq? He's changed considerably, and I think he has realized his limitations
November 20, 200817 yr Shaq needs the Lakers more than they will ever need him again. I guess he sees his career winding down and has came to the conclusion he's not going to get a title with the Suns. :thumb:
November 21, 200817 yr Is it a matter of headline material with Shaq? He's changed considerably, and I think he has realized his limitations I don't know. He seems to like the spotlight and his game can no longer keep him in it.
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.