Shaq back in L.A ?

[CharlieTheBull]

http://www.dailynews.com/lakers/ci_11703343

Ramona Shelburne of the LA Daily News wrote:

It certainly wouldn't be the first NBA All-Star game where a bit of craziness broke out. Whenever the NBA's finest get together in early February, zaniness often is the order of the day.

But on Friday, it was the 63-year-old coach in the corner of the room shaking up the desert sands, as Lakers coach Phil Jackson implied that he wouldn't be averse to seeing Shaquille O'Neal take a final dance in a Lakers uniform one day.

"We know that there's always a chance you'll have an opportunity to have a player like that," Jackson said, a wry smile coming across his face. "I was thinking about Robert Parish coming and playing one season with the Chicago Bulls. Playing a limited role, but being an influence on a team when he's 40 years old.

"So, we always say these old crocodiles, these alligators that patrol the lanes, have a long life span. So it would be great to see (O'Neal) back someday and, you know, coaching him."

For months, O'Neal has been writing a rosy revision to his history with the Lakers, sending glowing compliments to Jackson and Kobe Bryant through the media, then chalking up their notorious public feuds to "marketing."

When told of Jackson's comments, O'Neal laughed heartily and said, "He's right," then sent another compliment Jackson's way.

"He (Jackson) was great. He let us do what we did. His thing was, we're winning and we won the championship, so he's not going to mess with it. That's what it was about."

There is a chance of course, this is just another marketing campaign. Or, that Jackson was a bit weary from the Lakers' recent travels. He was never wild about the idea of having to be part of the party during this four-day break, after all.

Asked how he felt about signing up for another season after the Lakers played eight games in 13 days, with seven of them on the road, Jackson chuckled a bit, then shook his head.

"You come home from a two-week road trip and you pack your bags for the last time, haul them out to the door, and the guy's taking them down and you wonder, `Can I go through this thing again next year?,"' Jackson said. "That crosses your mind, there's no doubt about it. So that's why I've asked the owner to let me do one year at a time."

Meanwhile, across the room, Jackson's two current All-Stars were holding court for the assembled media, causing much less of a stir.

Well, except for the fact that Kobe Bryant showed up considerably late due to a delay of his morning flight.

During his 18-minute media session, Bryant deflected just about every question pertaining to O'Neal, except to joke that O'Neal "never really knew the triangle."

The Lakers' current center, Pau Gasol, spent most of his time being interviewed by the Spanish media and talking about how excited he was to watch his younger brother Marc play in the rookie-sophomore game on Friday night.

Already, this All-Star experience is shaping up better than his previous trip, to Houston in 2006, when Gasol got the flu and spent most of the weekend in bed.

"So far, so good," Gasol said. "I'm a little sick, but it's just a little cold. Nothing like last time. The trip was tough. Freezing cities and a lot of games. It kind of wears you down. But it's exciting to be here. I've was able to get some rest (Thursday) night, and hopefully some more."

Bryant, who was keeping a noticeably lower profile this year, said his main joy this weekend would come from seeing his friends from the Olympic team again.

"It's a chance to get to see my guys," Bryant said. "Chris Paul, LeBron (James), and D-Wade (Dewyane Wade). We all formed a relationship over the summer, so it's a good opportunity to kind of catch up and just hang out with them."

As for his reunion with his old friend, O'Neal?

"It should be fun," he said. "I think it should be fun."

It already is.

http://www.dailynews.com/lakers/ci_11703343http://www.dailynews.com/lakers/ci_11703343

Odom, Mihm and MBenga for SHAQ ?

 

[CharlieTheBull]

Shaq and Kobe interview @ ASG

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sexQDBNUE5A&eurl=http://thelakersnation.com/blog/

 

[dodie53]

Odom, Mihm and Farmar for Shaq and Goran.

 

[Andrew]

Shaq will never be a Laker again, as much as the feud has died down, Shaq and Kobe can't co-exist on the same team ever again, no matter what both say.

 

[Andrew]

I am still a bit bitter, they would still be dominating this league if they were together, brings a tear to my eye.

Shaq and Kobe interview @ ASG

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sexQDBNUE5A&eurl=http://thelakersnation.com/blog/

 

[AceP]

I have a strong feeling Shaq will be traded before the deadline, but definitely not LA. Maybe Detroit, or Dallas.

 

[Bufalay]

I am still a bit bitter, they would still be dominating this league if they were together, brings a tear to my eye.

Spoken like a true non-Suns fan. Thank you for confirming my suspicions.

 

[TJ]

Spoken like a true non-Suns fan. Thank you for confirming the facts.

FTFY

 

[nashman]

I think we all know he is not a suns fan just has a man crush for Shaq

 

[CardsFan88]

Well at least we know he must have answered Shaq's question.

Probably in private though, and the response must have been 'good!'.

 

[YouJustGotSUNSD]

Let us boo him in unison!

BOOOO

 

[the_future23]

Just trade Shaq to Portland for Raef LaFrentz and Sergio Rodriguez.

 

[Andrew]

Spoken like a true non-Suns fan. Thank you for confirming my suspicions.

I am a Suns fan, I can still appreciate that dynamic duo, you have to respect that if you consider yourself a basketball fan...

 

[atikiN]

I am a Suns fan, I can still appreciate that dynamic duo, you have to respect that if you consider yourself a basketball fan...

We'll see where you are after Shaq is gone. The Magic 8 ball tells me... no longer on these boards.

 

[Andrew]

Right, go ahead and think that.

 

[TJ]

Let us boo him in unison!

BOOOO

Can we get the Mods to apply a permanent avatar of david Stern on Andrew's account so we can boo him everytime he posts??

 

[HooverDam]

I'd love to see the Suns trade Shaq to LA. Odom+Farmar+Walton for Shaq works. The Suns get a nice player in Odom (though inconsistent) who's expiring, and Walton and Farmar both have good deals and create nice depth. Though I think perhaps thats too much to ask from LA. I just really want Shaq out of Amares way and to get out of his contract.

 

[Covert Rain]

The only way I would like to see this trade happen is if you traded Amare for a legit Center. There is no way you trade Shaq and put Amare back as your center. I don't like Odom at Center either so don't suggest that. I like Farmar and Walton is an OK bench player.

I just don't see how this trade makes any sense unless you have made another trade to fill the Center position.

 

[mojorizen7]

The only way I would like to see this trade happen is if you traded Amare for a legit Center. There is no way you trade Shaq and put Amare back as your center. I don't like Odom at Center either so don't suggest that. I like Farmar and Walton is an OK bench player.

I just don't see how this trade makes any sense unless you have made another trade to fill the Center position.

These words should be made scripture and the entire SUNS front office should be made to gather every morning before coffee,hold hands, and say them in unison.

*just substitute the words "you" for "we"......and "your" for "our."