My view on the whole situation:
Over the years, Shaq has definitely had his share of questionable injuries, and has been out of the lineup probably more than he should. That is true. The fact is, though, that when Shaq IS in the lineup, he is the most dominant big man in the game. I dont approve of his outrageous salary demand, and for that reason, the Lakers had every right to trade him. Unfortunately, I still think it was a mistake.
While the whole Shaq- Kobe thing may have been a two sided thing, the fact is this, and this is from Jackson himself. Kobe showed a lot of disrespect to a coach who had won six titles when he came in to coach the Lakers. Jackson had worked well with Michael Jordan, perhaps the greatest player to ever play the game, and won six titles with him. Jackson describes the last meeting with Kobe last summer before leaving the Lakers, and pointedly discusses how Kobe gave him the brush off when Jackson asked Kobe his opinion on Jackson returning to the Lakers. You dont disrespect your coach like that, no matter who you are, and how much money you make, especially a guy who has won 3 titles with your team. The fact is, Kobe has an attitude. Jackson discusses such in depth. It doesnt matter how fat or lazy Shaq was or is, it still doesnt change what Kobe is. While the Lakers have had injuries and a coaching change, I still dont think that even if healthy, Kobe alone could carry the Lakers to a title. He is not Jordan, in his talent, his mannerisms, or his attitude. There is an aura about him that people dont like. If I was an NBA player, fortunate enough to make as much money as Kobe, and play for a championship team, and Jackson came to me, and asked me how I felt about him retiring, my reply would be this: "Phil, you are a great coach, and this team has won 3 titles with you. I want this championship run to continue, I'd like if you not retire. Hopefully if you dont, Shaq and I can work things out, and he'll want to stay too, so we can win more titles." This isnt what Kobe said. He wanted to be THE man, well now, he can be THE man for a mediocre team. He pointedly said he is tired of being Shaq's sidekick. I would rather be Shaq's sidekick, and score 18 a night on a team that wins titles, then score 30 a night on a team that finishes 500 and doesnt make the playoffs. Kobe doesnt see this.
Alas, the Lakers need changes this summer, and, given their recent history, they may bounce back after a year or two if they can get a good coach and a free agent or two, but mistakes were still made, and Shaq may still get the last laugh if he wins a title this year in Miami, a distinct possibility the way the Heat are playing.
Mitch
One final issue about Kobe and his attitude. Phil Jackson describes in his book how after he found out about Kobe's rape allegations, he called Kobe THREE TIMES during his 2003 summer vacation, and Kobe never called him back. That is arrogance. Jackson claims he wasnt offended, but would any of us have the audacity not to call our leader or department head back, even during vacation, if they called us three times? While it was true that Jackson couldnt fire Kobe, there is still a very negative message when a player does that to their coach. Fact is, Kobe has an attitude. He is a good player as far as his stats, but this year has proven that he alone cant carry the Lakers to where they need to be. Bottom line.
