Kobe vs. Shaq...another showdown

I'm happy to say that the Christmas day Laker game was on here in Taiwan. Initially it was slotted to be played live at 4 am and then it was changed to 11:30 which was really nice. The game went as I expected. The Lakers have been hot lately but I didn't give them a chance versus the deeper, more experienced Heat (w/ a healthy Shaq). But as a Laker fan I must say that we put up a good fight and did have a chance. It's just hard when the Heat roster has a combined 27 all-star game appearances, a MVP, a couple defensive player of the year awards and the Lakers have only 7 all star appearances (Kobe). This Laker team really does have a bright future...one or two more personnel moves and this is a dangerous team. Stat lines of the day: Kobe 37 pts, 8 rebs, 6 asts (0-8 3pt)...Shaq 18 pts, 17 rebs, 3 asts (6 TO)...Lamar Odom 14 pts, 16 rebs, 6 asts...Dwayne Wade 18 pts, 4 rebs, 5 asts.

I want to make a comment on the ongoing Kobe/Shaq feud. It's getting played out. Just let these guys move on and be themselves. They don't like each other o.k....they're not gonna be best friends. Point blank! It's fun to get into the game and believe me it has extra significance for these two guys but it's a team game and it overshadows the other talented players when we harp on the feud. As far as my loyalties go...I'm with Kobe...for a couple of reasons. FIrst, I think the Lakers had to keep Kobe who is still on his way up as a player rather than keep a descending Shaq. Shaq is a great player but he's older and his body has taken a lot of abuse over the years. Secondly, Shaq is more the one keeping the grudge. He snubs talk of Kobe all the time and has never made an effort for positive contact. Kobe used to try and make up and still offers hand shakes and pre-game chit chat. In the end I'm with Phil Jackson who says that they will one day work it out. When they can each get over their egos they will relaize that they shared in a very special time and both needed each other to get the job done.