I never thought the day would come. Former Lakers center Shaquille O'Neal was heaping praise on Kobe Bryant. The pair won three NBA titles together before their much ballyhooed breakup. The hoops version of divorce was much better than any episode of Jon and Kate plus 8.
But, there was Shaq on a radio show, openly praising Kobe, saying Bryant would rise to the occasion against the Denver Nuggets. Bryant , of course, did.
There's no question that Shaq is lobbying for a return to the Lakers. A healthy and interested O'Neal could be a major upgrade in the post from inconsistent Andrew Bynum.
But, if the Lakers beat the Magic, who needs Shaq? Bryant has achieved his goal.. that is winning a title without O'Neal.
Shaq wants to be traded .. his first option of course is the Lakers ..his second is the New Orleans Hornets. If the Hornets are over the luxury tax this season, a deal to bring O'Neal to New Orleans make sense. He would sell tickets to abate some of the "tax hit". And, at the end of the year, Shaq's $20 million dollar salary comes off the books.
So the result of the NBA finals is key: if the Lakers win, they don't need Shaq and that could make New Orleans more of an option.
Ed Daniels