L. A. Lakers

[erpowers]

Many people have claimed that the reason the Lakers will not make the playoffs this year is that Shaq was traded and Phil Jackson was pushed out. I contend that some faulty logic is going into this argument. Some people seems to not realize that the whole Lakers team with the exception of Kobe a few other players is completely new. Many of the members of the championship team have left the team.

[doublethink]

1. Yea but Shaq .........

was the driving force, look at Miami's season with him. He is such a problem for other teams. History will judge him well. Unlike our current President. Peace. :)

[rjbny62]

2. Kobe drove everyone away

unfortunately, Kobe makes no one else better. Great talent, but he doesn't have that something special that makes the team great. The Lakers should have been unbeatable with Shaq & Kobe together, but instead they were underachievers. Look at the difference Shaq has made for Miami. The proof is right there.

PS - I am a big Lakers fan going back to the days when Jerry West and Co. were playing, but sadly, the current situation is shameful. I have come to the point that I think the team would be better off without Kobe. Maybe they would even make the playoffs again.

[Yavin4]

3. Don't Blame Kobe. Blame Dr. Buss

The cheap-ass owner of the Lakers didn't want to pay Shaq a max contract, and he thought that having just Kobe that he'd at least make the playoffs.