Shaq or Kobe?

[Marc]

I read an interesting article over on MSNBC (http://www.msnbc.com/news/483777.asp) today that discussed the Kobe/Shaq struggle over in L.A. It was pro-Shaq, saying he should be the focus of the offense. Do you agree or disagree? Who should be the centerpiece of the Lakers?

[Nate]

I also think that Shaq should be the main focus of the Lakers offense. I think the team is more successful when Shaq is in the spotlight.

[iFroggy]

If its my team, I create an offensive scheme that benefits both of them, and there is a co-centerpiece. Kobe is just too good to not be a main focus, same with Shaq. But, the Zen master is not one I'd argue with. :D

[Marc]

Well, that article said that if, for example, Kobe takes 25 shots and Shaq, too, Shaq is going to have a higher shooting percentage (naturally, he can just power his way around the basket, while Kobe has to drive and hit the perimeter shots) - basically, Shaq should get more shot attempts because he shoots a higher percentage.

[Jersey Devil]

Shaq, Shaq, Shaq.

Kobe on most days is semi-stoppable. Shaq is almost unstoppable ... ALMOST (of course there's the krypton ... I mean free throws to stop him).

MUCH harder now-a-days to find a good center in the league (check for yourself if you don't believe me).

[Wedge231]

SHAQ. He is just so dominating.

[lmanchur.]

I would choose Kobe over Shaq. I don't know how old Shaq is, but Kobe is only 21, right!?... and his numbers have gone up, up, up every year in each of his seasons in the NBA.

[iFroggy]

Yeah, I'm kinda torn. Both of them are so good, the Lakers are a great team if they can figure out how to use both efficently.

[Peck]

Kobe is my man. Although he is only 22 he is already being compared with Jordan!!!!! He went straight from High School to the NBA how many people can do that? So he is my man.

[Marc]

Speaking of people saying Kobe will be the next M.J., who is better: Vince or Kobe? Kobe is better because he is a better all-around player!

[iFroggy]

Definitely Kobe.

[lmanchur.]

Last Sunday (the 16th), it was the Lakers vs. the Raptors, and the play-by-play was always hyping up whenever Vince was playing defense on Kobe or vise versa.

I think we saw that both are pretty equal in offensive skills, but Kobe is still the better overall player.

[PennyFan2]

I would have to say Shaq should be there centerpiece.

[Nate]

Even at the ESPN magazin website, it is undecided who the Laker's best player is.

The poll question located on the site was entitled "Who's team is it?" Here are the results after my vote (61,576 total votes):

32.4% Shaq
31.6% Kobe
23.9% Phil
11.8% Jack

As you can see, the Shaq or Kobe question may never be answered.

[Spike]

Lakers lost yet again tonight. Wow. Sonics 91, Lakers 80. Seattle's (who's an okay team but not any great shakes) now 3 and 0 this season against the defending World Champions.

They just lost to the Heat at home, 103 to 92 on Sunday to a national television audience on N.B.C. They gave up over a 100 points to a team that has trouble scoring.

And I also found out that not too long ago that Isaiah Rider said that O'Neal and Bryant need to cut out the sniping and just play ball. Now when J.R. Rider is the "voice of reason" you know you're in trouble.

That situation is kind of a mess right now and it's probably going to get worse before it gets better too.

[topdawg33]

i really dont like either player but i would let kobe be the centerpiece. he can take over a game quicker, he MAKES his free throws and he is a good defender. did i mention he's 21?

[Marc]

True, but how often do you find a dominating 7-foot center like Shaq? Not often. There are far more 6'8" superstars in the league than dominating centers. Just consider that.

And welcome to the SC boards!

[iFroggy]

Kobe and Shaq are BOTH unique players. You don't find anyone like each of them anywhere, let alone on the same team.

[Wedge231]

All because of money. Normally two people like that wouldn't be on a team unless you're in places like Los Angeles or New York.

[Jersey Devil]

I know this was just a one game thing, but the Lakers looked COMPLETELY lost today (vs. the Knicks) without Shaq.

With O'Neal a last-minute scratch because of a foot injury, the Lakers fell behind early and never fought back as they dropped a 91-81 decision to the New York Knicks for their 15th loss of the season -- matching last season's total.

Hopefully now that Kobe knows what it feels like to be without Shaq. Maybe now he'll realize that those two need to find a way to share the spotlight, or they'll never be able to win it all this year.

[Wedge231]

Yeah. Only two Lakers scored in double digits that game.