Throwdowns > Closed

J-Business said 08/10, 12:21 PM
By Shaq effect, I mean, the Lakers will win 3 or more titles and become a virtual dynasty?

I love the deal and I think it definitely makes a the Lakers a better team, but I don't think it will bring them multiple titles

True the Lakers now have Howard, Steve Nash, Gasol and of course Kobe, but I don't think they will become as dominant as the Shaq-Kobe combination

For one, Shaq was a far more dominant player than Howard. On offense Shaq averaged well over 30 pts in the playoffs and 40 pts in the Finals

Howard may be Shaq's equal on defense but he is no where close on offense. In fact, it can be argued that Bynum was a better offensive player than Howard and probably better fit with Nash and Kobe.

Another point is that the Lakers other key parts are all old.
Nash is 38
Kobe will be 34
Gasol is 32

Additionally, the Lakers have serious competition against younger very good teams with playoff experience in OKC and Miami

I think the Lakers will be a very good team but 2 or more titles? I just don't see it

J-Business said 08/10, 03:49 PM
This Lakers team will be good but the problem is that they will have chemistry issues to begin with.

For one, they are bringing in a new offense, which will take time for them to learn.

Also, how comfortable will Kobe be playing in an offense, in which he doesn't have the ball in his hand most of the time?

In order for this to work, the offense has to go thru Steve Nash and Dwight Howard, with Kobe playing off the in and out

With Kobe having more titles than both of them put together (0), will Kobe accept this?
Another point is, Shaq and Kobe had Phil Jackson to hold things together, these Lakers have Mike Brown

These Lakers look very good on paper but they also have some future issues to deal with.

Nash is good but can he keep up with Westbrook, CP3 and Parker?

Even if the Lakers win a title this year, can they win it again in the 2013-14 season with starters at the age of 35, 39, 33, 29 and 30?

And then do it again, the following year?

Maybe the Lakers do win it, but Shaq and Kobe, had their youth, a great coach and they also happened to win the title against weak Eastern conf teams

These Lakers have none of those luxuries

J-Business said 08/12, 05:52 AM
"Dwight, do what Kobe and Steve says"

That's two directions right there, not including having to listen to the coach. Also, not including the fact that this is supposed to be gearing up to be Howard's team and he's supposed to be the leader of the next era.

Also, as I mentioned, Shaq and Kobe won 3 titles in a row and were one of the best duos in league history.
Howard does not have a young up and coming superstar to pair with.

Kobe recently said that he'd only play 2-3 more seasons and you have to imagine that although Nash may give it his all this season, how much more can you expect from a 40 yr old man?

These Lakers will be very good this yr but time is simply not on their side. Definitely not when they have to deal with the Clippers, who are also young and dangerous, OKC who are a great team and have improved dramatically in the past 4 seasons.
OKC also has a team that has been together for yrs and they won't simply just lay down, for the Lakers

Then in the East you have Miami

Yes, these Lakers will be good, but multiple titles like Shaq/Kobe, no way