Tuesday, July 20, 2004
You know, I really should be talking more about my sweet, sweet G5. I should post the "class photo" pics I took of all the new computers we got. But one thing has just been bugging me for the last few days, and I need to rant about it. Because THE LAKERS TRADED SHAQ!
This has been said again and again, but it's worth saying again: YOU DON'T TRADE SHAQ. And you certainly don't trade Shaq for peanuts. Look, I know Lamar Odom was an All-Star last year and Caron Butler could be one, but this is the Lakers we're talking about. Guys like those should be filling out the starting lineup behind Shaq and Kobe, not replacing them. Some have mooted that in a Western Conference that continues to get stronger, the "new-look" Lakers will be a lottery team. I don't think we'll fall that far that fast, but... we certainly won't be a contender anymore. From dynasty to "marginal playoff team" in one fell swoop. Nice one, Kobe.
And this is really all about Kobe. Kobe made a power play, and between Kobe and Shaq, they chose Kobe. In a sense, you can see where they're coming from, because Kobe is much younger... but you know, there's only one Shaq. As good as Kobe is, as good as he will be... he's replaceable. Slot Tracy McGrady in there and it's fine. Yeah, McGrady isn't quite as clutch or as good on the defensive end as Kobe, but he'll put up comparable (if SLIGHTLY lower) numbers. Take out Shaq and replace him with... who, exactly? You can't replace him. All you can really hope for is to build a team strong enough to cope without him, and I'm sorry but Kobe, GP, Divac, Odom and Butler just doesn't cut it, especially in the West.
It really bugs me because in general, Kobe's just not a nice player. Never mind the rape allegations, let's talk Kobe on the court. HE NEVER SHARES THE BASKETBALL. He doesn't just hog it, but the more coverage on him the more he feels he has some divine right to take them all on. You can't do that Kobe. You just... can't. Don't even try. Pass it. He might have had an excuse the season before last, since his passing options were either the similarly double-teamed Shaq or a bunch of role players incapable of making open shots in the regular season, but this last season he's had two other Hall of Famers join him. Share the damn ball! And when things aren't working for Kobe, when his jumper isn't right, he STILL doesn't try something different and pass it. He keeps shooting more jumpers. Kobe... you can't. Everyone made a big deal about how Shaq's scoring was at a career-low last season... well, that's what happens when your shots go down because you're sharing. Not enough people have made a point out of THAT: Shaq was perfectly willing to share the spotlight with Malone and GP to win a ring. Kobe couldn't even share the floor with Shaq.
All this has made me really mad... but one good thing came of it. I finally bought a Shaq (Lakers) jersey. Now, you're probably wondering why I bought a Lakers jersey when Shaq's moving to Miami. I think of it this way: I can either buy the jersey now for $45 or I can buy it in ten years for $300 as a Mitchell & Ness "throwback" jersey. I figure I'd rather get it now.
Posted at 5:47 AM
