Kobe Leads LAL Back to the Playoffs

Maybe Kobe should just go play for the Suns.

 

Maybe Kobe should just admit that Shaq made the Lakers.

 

Fixed

 

Maybe most people need to realize that Kobe didn't trade Shaq, Kupchak did. Maybe people also need to remember that Riley did admit he likely would've given up Dwyane Wade in a deal to get Shaq, but Kupchak never pushed. Maybe people need to realize Shaq asked for a 3-year, max contract extension coming off a year where he was beset by injuries and was ... well ... fat. Maybe most people need to realize that Kupchak is one of the worst GMs in the league at evaluating talent.

But, they won't. Cuz, it's more fun to hate Bryant.

 

This thread will not end well. Or end at all.

 

Do we have to go through this again? What did Shaq accomplish before he joined up with Kobe?

Shaq was as much responsible for the split as Kobe, and Shaq has done little since, except ride on Dwayne Wade's back for a cheap ring.

Shaq is one of the greats, but his work ethic and health rank right up there with his free throw shooting. Has he even played in half of the Heat's games this year?

 

Ha. I was just thinking the same thing.

 

Ask the Miami Heat whether Shaq was worth it.

 

(Vin Scully voice): "Fernando really lobbed that one up there, but the young fella (me) just couldn't take advantage of it, for whatever reason"

 

What if Kobe stayed on the team that drafted him? Imagine the Hornets today.

 

Made one NBA Finals appearance. It's not like the Magic were scrambling to make the playoffs, like the Lakers are now.

 

Kobe always needed a big man and Shaq always needed that guard to compliment his game. Both of them got what the other wanted, and they made harmony for a couple years.