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NBA > General NBA > Kobe vs. Shaq to possibly battle it out in the 2011 NBA Finals for the fifth all-time scoring title.

Call me...Coach

Mesa, AZ

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November 19, 2010, 12:43 AM

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Of course, this is based on how each player plays throughout the rest of the NBA season and if that both the Lakers and Celtics meet in the NBA finals.

But is it possible for both Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal to be neck to neck for becoming the fifth all-time NBA scoring leader. Well, it's possible if Kobe were to average 25+ points per game throughout the rest of this NBA season to include at least 20 games during the NBA Playoffs.

However, here is the catch. Shaq can't average more than around 2-3 points per game. With the amount of talent that Boston has, on top of the fact that Shaq could run into some sort of injury before the season comes to an end (which I'm sure he will), we could possibly witness not only Phil Jackson leaving his legacy on a high note or Boston winning it's 18th NBA title, but we can see Shaq and Kobe exchanging baskets to maintain that fifth spot on the all-time scoring list.

Does anybody find this interesting or does it really matter at all? We all know that Kobe will eventually surpass Shaq as the fifth all time scoring leader, but would this make the NBA finals between the Lakers and Celtics more enticing?

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November 23, 2010 12:45 PM ET

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I think the fact that both Shaq and Kobe will probably be playing in the finals against each other will be very interesting. If this infact does happen than I will tell you right now that Boston will be the new NBA champions. There is no way in $#%& that Shaq will let Kobe beat him. I dont care if Shaq is 40. This is just not happening. The big D has plenty left in the tank. If this season comes down to Boston against LA. Its a wrap!

mc062883

Seekonk , MA

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November 23, 2010 05:17 PM ET

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QUOTE(#1):

Originally posted 12:45 PM ET 11.23 by mc062883

I think the fact that both Shaq and Kobe will probably be playing in the finals against each other will be very interesting. If this infact does happen than I will tell you right now that Boston will be the new NBA champions. There is no way in $#%& that Shaq will let Kobe beat him. I dont care if Shaq is 40. This is just not happening. The big D has plenty left in the tank. If this season comes down to Boston against LA. Its a wrap!

With about a month into the NBA season, it will be hard to tell who will win it all in June, but I can tell you this...If Boston and L.A. were to meet in this years finals, I wouldn't put a stamp in it for Boston just quite yet. Sure, I can understand that Shaq may take a personal stake when Kobe is at his opposition but lets be real here. In a one-on-one battle, Shaq couldn't hold Kobe's jockstrap, and I'm sure Shaq would be willing to admit that.

But again, if this were to happen, it would not be about personal vendettas between players. What it comes down to is talent and team chemistry along with coaching, athleticism and position-by-position battles which are key factors. From a talent perspective, both teams are about equally talented however, the Lakers have the edge when it comes to athleticism, which currently the Boston Celtics are having problems with other teams this season. With position-by-postion battles, the Celtics have that at the point guard and small forward position. But the Lakers have them in all other positions to include bench depth and coaching.

So, if both the Lakers and Celtics were to meet in the finals this coming year, the Celtics winning the whole thing is far from being a wrap.

Call me...Coach

Mesa, AZ

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April 8, 2011 05:37 PM ET

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So far Kobe is winning

mc062883

Seekonk , MA

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April 20, 2011 12:10 AM ET

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I don't really believe the Lakers have any fear in them facing the Miami Heat. These guys are professionals, back to back Champions, and I'm sure are ready to face anyone who faces them in the finals, whether that being the Heat or anyone else.

And that is of course if the Lakers make it to the finals.

Call me...Coach

Mesa, AZ

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April 20, 2011 11:58 AM ET

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Thats a pretty bold statement D3. The only thing that I can say is that the Cs need to start rebounding and they still have a shot at this thing with out Shaq.