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Shaq, LeBron Not Quite a Heavenly Match

By John Johnson,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 21, 2009 2:44 PM CDT

(Newser) – We're months away from the NBA season, but the scrutiny of the monster pairing of Shaq and LeBron has already begun in earnest. Can the superstars exist in harmony on one team? The Wall Street Journal sniffs out a little trouble, noting that the two haven't exactly acted like best buds since Shaq's trade to Cleveland this summer. "Everyone thinks you have to like each other to win a championship, but that's not true," says O'Neal. "You don't have to go on vacation together."

Much depends on how well the 37-year-old O'Neal—whose track record on team harmony is spotty—adjusts to a supporting role for the first time in his career. A good sign: When James, 24, noted that Shaq "doesn't have the athleticism or quickness he had as a kid," O'Neal took the diplomatic route: "It happens to the best of us." A not-so-good sign: When asked what he'd be willing to sacrifice to reach his goal of a fifth title, Shaq responded that he didn't understand the question.

In this 2006 file photo, LeBron James and Shaquille O'Neal talk before an All-Star Game.
In this 2006 file photo, LeBron James and Shaquille O'Neal talk before an All-Star Game.   (AP Photo/LM Otero, File)
In this 2007 file photo, Lebron James and Shaquille O'Neal do a little dance before that year's All-Star Game.
In this 2007 file photo, Lebron James and Shaquille O'Neal do a little dance before that year's All-Star Game.   (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian, File)
Shaquille O'Neal with Phoenix last year.
Shaquille O'Neal with Phoenix last year.   (AP Photo/Matt York)
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Hopefully I can try and make him learn some things. - LeBron James, on Shaq

They've both got to show the world they're the best—and the whole world is watching. - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 6 comments
wwwonderer
Aug 24, 2009 3:27 AM CDT
Well said. This is capitalism. They make that amount of money because we watch the games, which generate TV ad dollars. We go to games in the stadiums. We buy the merchandise. i agree that pro athletes make crazy amounts of money, but that is what free markets do. The real trick is how many of those millionaire athletes do something with the money other than get gold Escalades with mink interiors?........ And yes, Shaq has been a 'role-player' ever since going to Miami. In all fairness, Wade doesn't get a ring without Shaq playing the way he did: he was in great shape during that post-season, even played a little on-ball defense. Since then, meh.
sangsterd
Aug 23, 2009 12:53 PM CDT
who is this clown writing this? this is the first supporting role of his career? have we forgotten about his stint in miami? i'm not sure who expected him to be the centerpiece of a team with dwyane wade. and kudos to hoggkm up there...cognitivefilter obviously doesn't understand how the sports industry works...maybe if fans weren't willing to spend hundreds of dollars on tickets and countless more on merchandise, OUR OWN money could be redirected elsewhere and the greed of owners of players wouldn't be so much of an issue
cognitivefilter
Aug 23, 2009 2:00 AM CDT
hey, i'm not proposing anything, i'm just remarking on behalf of those who agree professional athletes get wicked amounts of money for basically no reason. i won't be checking with the irs, but thank you for suggesting it

 
NBA • basketball • LeBron James • Cleveland Cavaliers • Shaquille O'Neal • Shaq

 
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