[GH0STrider]

Originally Posted by Azyiu

I know at this stage it is just a rumor... but are you aware of a report that Shaq could be traded to the Suns for Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks?

I think Marion's "trade-me-or-else" attitude combining with the Lakers' recent Gasol steal, Steve Kerr realizes he can't really see this current group winning the west anymore. I bet he is thinking what Riley was thinking in 2004... try to win now and worry about the future later. Let's stay tuned, dude.

It's not a rumor dude. It's in serious talks. The heat contacted Shaq's representation today and told them they were shopping him and were in serious talk with the suns. The suns view it as cleaning up their locker room. Marion and his bullshit have become a distractioin apparently. I think it is a good move for both teams. Marion clearly doesn't want to be in Phoenix anymore and they could lose him for nothing. Shaq could add some much need defense to the suns. Not to mention with the way the suns play, IF he can keep up he could average 20 a game again. The only concern is if he can keep pace with the run and gun suns.

[Azyiu]

You know what? This is what I don't understand about pro ballers sometimes. As you might recall, I used to live in AZ and fans simply LOVE Marion to death down there. IMO, he doesn't really show them his love back enough or at all... besides, Marion should know better he is only a garbage man or a #3 option at best... what makes him think he should be the #1 guy? Him and Joe Johnson got me scratching my head sometimes...

[GH0STrider]

Originally Posted by Azyiu

You know what? This is what I don't understand about pro ballers sometimes. As you might recall, I used to live in AZ and fans simply LOVE Marion to death down there. IMO, he doesn't really show them his love back enough or at all... besides, Marion should know better he is only a garbage man or a #3 option at best... what makes him think he should be the #1 guy? Him and Joe Johnson got me scratching my head sometimes...

True that. Marion will fit in well with the thugs down in Miami. I would love to see him tell d-wayde why he should be the number 1 option.

[Azyiu]

Note to D-Wade: There is no real future down in Miami... when your deal is up in 2010, join us in LA

[GH0STrider]

Originally Posted by Azyiu

Note to D-Wade: There is no real future down in Miami... when your deal is up in 2010, join us in LA

Ha. Like you'll have the salary cap for him. D-wade is coming to the team he shoould have came to in the first place... CHICAGO

[Azyiu]

Originally Posted by GH0STrider

Ha. Like you'll have the salary cap for him. D-wade is coming to the team he shoould have came to in the first place... CHICAGO

Ha! Just a note to remind you, Mr.Blackcock, barring something stupid they do between now and 2010, YOUR beloved NY Knicks should have enough to sign D-Wade away from Miami.

Ok, the Shaq trade is official, but I still think it could go either way. One thing is for sure, the Suns have just admitted their run & gun style won't win them a championship, and it kind of sucks for us fans. Anyway, I wish Shaq well and we (the Lakers) will see him in April / May... and he is welcome to keep watching us in June.

[GH0STrider]

Originally Posted by Azyiu

Ha! Just a note to remind you, Mr.Blackcock, barring something stupid they do between now and 2010, YOUR beloved NY Knicks should have enough to sign D-Wade away from Miami.

Ok, the Shaq trade is official, but I still think it could go either way. One thing is for sure, the Suns have just admitted their run & gun style won't win them a championship, and it kind of sucks for us fans. Anyway, I wish Shaq well and we (the Lakers) will see him in April / May... and he is welcome to keep watching us in June.

First- the knicks will do something stupid between now and 2010. Dude they do stupid shit every other day.
second- Nobody but dumbass ron artest wants to be part of the hell that is new york. Their own fans boo them more than a visiting crowd. D-wade doesn't want to play there. Isiah aside- that organization all together doesn't know how to win. their managment and ownership sucks. If it came down to chicago and new york wade wouldn't think twice about coming to his his home town and playing for the bulls.

Yeah the shaq trade is offical. I can't believe shaq is a sun. Wow. And all in the same day they admit their run and gun bs won't win championships. I think shaq could really revive his career with the suns.

as for your lakers... dude. Your a long way away from playing in june. Pau isn't going to get you there. He is highly skilled offensivly but soft as soft can be on the defensive end. You think he can bang with duncan? amare? shaq? Dirk? Nah. It will come down to bynum becoming a 20 and 12 beast and lamar returning to his miami form. While bynum's development looks promising odom is holding you guys down. He is good for rebounding and defense but his offensive game has been trash since ariving in la. Bottom line the suns are the better team right now. the best point guard in the nba. And now one scary front line with shaq and amare. If anything your boy kobe and phil can throw a pool party in june and watch the finals at jackson's crib in Montana. Sorry...

[Azyiu]

Originally Posted by GH0STrider

as for your lakers... dude. Your a long way away from playing in june. Pau isn't going to get you there. He is highly skilled offensivly but soft as soft can be on the defensive end. You think he can bang with duncan? amare? shaq? Dirk? Nah. It will come down to bynum becoming a 20 and 12 beast and lamar returning to his miami form. While bynum's development looks promising odom is holding you guys down. He is good for rebounding and defense but his offensive game has been trash since ariving in la. Bottom line the suns are the better team right now. the best point guard in the nba. And now one scary front line with shaq and amare. If anything your boy kobe and phil can throw a pool party in june and watch the finals at jackson's crib in Montana. Sorry...

Seriously, between the Lakers and the Suns, I like Lakers' chances for playing in June over the Suns right now. You can say anything or how Pau is "soft" all you want, but look at the Suns' roster, especially their so-called bench. They may have a very good starting lineup, but who else do you have coming off the bench? Diaw and Barbosa, and who else, Sean Marks?!

You are right, Shaq is going to help the Suns down in the post, but then I also bet you there will be times they play "four-on-five" or vice versa when he is on the floor! Plus, how much do you play him these days? He isn't a great defender even in his prime... oops, sorry, forgot he now plays for the Suns, so playing D is not necessary. Anyway, I love Shaq, but I honestly don't think they have a better chance in playing in June than the Lakers.

As for Pau, nah, he doesn't need to carry a team like when he did in Memphis. All he needs to do is to just play his game, and average close to a double-doubles. Hell, remember A.C. Green in 2000? Horace Grant in 2001? and finally Sumaki Walker in 2002? You do not need a big, strong PF to really compete and win in the triangle. Hell, and I bet Pau is much better than those 3 guys I just mentioned, period!

[GH0STrider]

Originally Posted by Azyiu

Seriously, between the Lakers and the Suns, I like Lakers' chances for playing in June over the Suns right now. You can say anything or how Pau is "soft" all you want, but look at the Suns' roster, especially their so-called bench. They may have a very good starting lineup, but who else do you have coming off the bench? Diaw and Barbosa, and who else, Sean Marks?!

I disagree. I think the suns will be there over the lakers. Lamar- he really sucks compared to what he once was. I think everyone sees that right now, hence the reason he was almost moved. If the grizz weren't looking specificly for cap space I bet Lamar would have been moved for pau. Look at the threat on for the lakers. Pau, kobe, bynum, maybe lamar. Look at the suns. Shaq, nash, amare, barbosa, bell, diaw, and don't forget grant hill who is playing great for the suns. They are a way more potent offense than the lakers and with shaq down low they are dangerous. I take shaq and amare over pau and bynum anyday man.

Originally Posted by Azyiu

You are right, Shaq is going to help the Suns down in the post, but then I also bet you there will be times they play "four-on-five" or vice versa when he is on the floor! Plus, how much do you play him these days? He isn't a great defender even in his prime... oops, sorry, forgot he now plays for the Suns, so playing D is not necessary. Anyway, I love Shaq, but I honestly don't think they have a better chance in playing in June than the Lakers.

Shaq not a great defender? Dude, he size alone makes him a good defender. Hell yeah he is a good defender. He is a 3 time 2nd team all defense team member mind you. He does a pretty good job. And it's not like he can't play anymore. He can ignite the break for the suns. I bet you he at least averages 18 and 8 for the suns. It's not just the suns that don't play d my friend, it's the western conference. That run and gun game will play greatly to shaq's offense. He will add a whole new dimension to the suns. He will ive them d in the paint and allow for more half court play. So when they can't get their run and gun thing going- they still can win in the half court. Like when the spurs slowed them down last week and held them to like 85 or something. That could be a winnable game now. I feel sorry for people doubting shaq. The dude is hurt but when healthy he can still play.

Originally Posted by Azyiu

As for Pau, nah, he doesn't need to carry a team like when he did in Memphis. All he needs to do is to just play his game, and average close to a double-doubles. Hell, remember A.C. Green in 2000? Horace Grant in 2001? and finally Sumaki Walker in 2002? You do not need a big, strong PF to really compete and win in the triangle. Hell, and I bet Pau is much better than those 3 guys I just mentioned, period!

I'm not about to bash pau man. I like him. I wanted him in chicago, If we had a gm with any brains he would be here instead of la. He doesn't need to carry the team but he does need to play both ends of the floor. He has been a poor and soft defender his whole career. If you think these lakers will be there in june- it will all hinge on wether this guy can toughen up and play strong. The pf position is a tough one in the west. duncan, amare, dirk, west, ect. there is tough competition.

[Azyiu]

Originally Posted by GH0STrider

I disagree. I think the suns will be there over the lakers. Lamar- he really sucks compared to what he once was. I think everyone sees that right now, hence the reason he was almost moved. If the grizz weren't looking specificly for cap space I bet Lamar would have been moved for pau.

I think Lamar is an easy fall guy, but I am also glad most non-Lakers fans think he sucks. He will be a "surprise" to most people comes playoffs time. Honestly, although I don't think we will see the kind of plays from his Heat days, he is really not that bad. In fact, he is a very smart player, with his size, speed and passing skills, he actually fits very well in the triangle. One of the main reasons why he was mentioned in almost every trade scenario is due to the size of his contract.

Originally Posted by GH0STrider

Look at the threat on for the lakers. Pau, kobe, bynum, maybe lamar. Look at the suns. Shaq, nash, amare, barbosa, bell, diaw, and don't forget grant hill who is playing great for the suns. They are a way more potent offense than the lakers and with shaq down low they are dangerous. I take shaq and amare over pau and bynum anyday man.

You pretty much ignored what I said in my original post. I too think Suns' starting five is as good as anyone out west, but I see their problem in their bench or the lack of it. Then again, except for Amare, all of the Suns' main guys are over 33 of age... they might be slightly better this year, but I still would take the Lakers long term any day.

Originally Posted by GH0STrider

Shaq not a great defender? Dude, he size alone makes him a good defender. Hell yeah he is a good defender. He is a 3 time 2nd team all defense team member mind you. He does a pretty good job. And it's not like he can't play anymore. He can ignite the break for the suns. I bet you he at least averages 18 and 8 for the suns. It's not just the suns that don't play d my friend, it's the western conference. That run and gun game will play greatly to shaq's offense. He will add a whole new dimension to the suns. He will ive them d in the paint and allow for more half court play. So when they can't get their run and gun thing going- they still can win in the half court. Like when the spurs slowed them down last week and held them to like 85 or something. That could be a winnable game now. I feel sorry for people doubting shaq. The dude is hurt but when healthy he can still play.

Shaq played for the Lakers for 8 years, so you think I don't know? Seriously, let's not just look at stats here. Of course, his size and speed alone are good defensive capitals, but IMHO his speed is slowly decreasing (if not already have). Plus, except for the 1999 - 2000 season, Shaq never really seriously commited to playing great D. I mean, sure, once in a while he get a steal down low then lead a fast break as a point-center, but just how often do we see that? Still, even though he might not be as good as one-on-one defender like Sheed, he will improve the Suns down low for sure!

Originally Posted by GH0STrider

I'm not about to bash pau man. I like him. I wanted him in chicago, If we had a gm with any brains he would be here instead of la. He doesn't need to carry the team but he does need to play both ends of the floor. He has been a poor and soft defender his whole career. If you think these lakers will be there in june- it will all hinge on wether this guy can toughen up and play strong. The pf position is a tough one in the west. duncan, amare, dirk, west, ect. there is tough competition.

This statement alone tells me you really don't know Pau. Either that, or you basically ignored anything he had done in the last two Euro Championships. He was pretty much the sole reason why Spain was so successful in the Euro Championship in 2006 before breaking his foot, and his teammates picked up the slack and won it all. Last year they made it back to the championship game before losing to the surprising Russian team. Sure, it is easy to blame one guy for a loss and all, blame him. Oh, while you are blaming him for his soft D, please also call out guys like Tony Parker, Boris Diaw (they didn't even make it far last year), Nowitzki etc! While we are at it, like I said in my last post, you think Pau is not as good as A.C.Green, Horace Grant or even Sumaki "Are You Kidding Me" Walker on D?