[This is long, but I couldn't make it any shorter, sorry]

Should you honor Shaq with his number retired?

Simply no.

Shaq played 5-6 years of great ball for us leading the Lakers to 3 titles. That gives Shaq consideration. But play on the court is only part of that.

Those so honored did great things over a period of time and loyally honored the Lakers organization. Look up at the wall and look at the names. All of them considered themselves Lakers for life.

You can not separate the two. On or off the court, its the whole that is being judged.

For instance, Pete Rose has fantastic HOF numbers but bet on his own team, fixed games to win bets, and lied about it. Even slandering MLB in the process that they were unfair. Many writers supported Pete, till they found out the complete truth.

Barry Bonds has incredible numbers. But were they enhanced by cheating with drugs?

If you took these players numbers, based the decision purely on numbers on the field, and not off the field stuff, they would be elected into the HOF. But the HOF is to honor people that honored baseball, not embarrass it.

These are an example that its not always just about the numbers.

Has Shaq loyally honored the Lakers?

A simple review of his history at the time of his being a Lakers and following that, show he has not.

1. While a Lakers, he demanded 30 mil dollars forcing the Lakers to decide between him or Kobe. Then threatened a trade me or else scenario. The Lakers forced to trade him took a bad trade that set the Lakers back for several years. It was a me or you are ruined scenario. Loyalty uh.

Can you you say he helped the Lakers with his demands or hurt us? Was his goal to make the Lakers a better team or selfishly look after his own interests? That in itself disqualifies him for the honor.

2. After he left. Not content with moving on, he leaked first, then publicly said disparaging remarks about Kobe and the Lakers organization. Quickly it grew to blaming the loyal Lakers fans, Dr Buss, and PJ. Can you say traitor?

Does this sound like someone to honor? Someone who has loyally stuck to the Lakers, who considers himself a Lakers for life?

Let’s just say, the Lakers brain trust decides to honor Shaq with an honor that only a few Lakers have ever received in our 60 years of history. Can you imagine what the ceremony would be like?
Most would be booing and yelling, viewing Shaq as a traitor, and rightly so.

Watching Shaq receive the honor while he gives the figurative F-U to the fans and Lakers legendary history, makes absolutely no sense.

If you asked Shaq these questions, would you have any doubt what his answers would be?

Did the Lakers treat you fairly? Do you want the Lakers to succeed? Do you view yourself as a Lakers for life?

The famous American traitor Benedict Arnold, was originally a revolutionary war hero, that switched sides, and sold out his friends. Would it make sense to honor him as a hero, claiming his numbers deserved in battle should bestow him the honor?

Those on the wall are all deeply honored to be there. I don’t think he even cares if he is on the wall. It would just serve to remind him of a bad chapter in his life, where the Lakers chose the Lakers over Shaq.

I say, say no to traitor Shaq. No place of honor for a Lakers hater, who doesn’t respect the meaning of being a Lakers, who disses the organization, who doesn’t want to be a Lakers for life, and who wishes nothing but the worst for the Lakers. organization.

*__________________________________*
SHAQ'S NUMBER SHOULD NEVER HANG
IN THE STAPLES CENTER BANDWAGON
Tell me how a has been tastes
*_________________________________*
(01) RAH - OWNER - shaq is continuously giving the Lakers more reasons to
NEVER retire #34 ! He doesn't deserve to be on that wall!
(02) FAITH - Shaq is as classless as he is giving. He is pure on a media whore,
there is not other way around it. Eat some rat poison Shaq
(03) RICK FRIEDMAN - How about this! Let's give #34 to AB next season and
really rub it in Shaq's nose. Let's give Shaq the shaft!
(04) LAKERSRYDEORDIE - My grandmother (GOD rest her SOUL) useta always
say, "Stupid is as Stupid Does" .. That would be Shaq!
(05) KARYANR - Shaq? Who the F is Shaq? I never heard of him...
(06) MCFLY - Shaq is a total jerk. To bring all this crap up again seems pointless.
Why? Why?Why?
(07) LAKER TOM - Excellent take on the Most Dumbest Ever.
(08) CHARLOTTELAKERFAN - Classless!! The bum even had the nerve to
mention Kareem!
(09) BAYWOOD - Thanks AK for speaking our mind
(10) LAKERGURL - Wow! Shaq is such a dumbass. His need for attention is just
beyond pathetic. I will be against having his number retired at Staples. He has
just totally burned the bridges.
(11) PSYCHEDLAKERGIRL - GO AB!!! Stuff one right in Shaq's fat mug! A
(12)P ANG - He has to let it go. The bitterness is eating him alive.
(13) THIRTY2 - In the video i think i saw BUTLER crying in the front row...
(14) BILL - Shaq just showed us how ignorant and stupid he is and has always been.
(15)JUSTALAKAFAN - Shaq is a Jackass. Even more he is a dumba$$ed jackass.
He should just retire in oblivion as he mentally already there.
(16) JANET LOW CLASS FAT @SSS
(17) FKILLAJH - It's absolutely pathetic how the ESPN crew tries to defend Shaq.
(18) SAMLL - Shaq has become a very bitter old man.
(19) LONGTIMELAKERFAN - Hey Shaq, what do your DECLINING Skills taste like?
(20) SOCALGAL - I've been saying Shaq is a jackass for years.
(21) DOUBLEHAUL - Here's to many more years of Shaq, at home, sweating it
out on the world's most unfortunate couch, watching the Lakers make title runs.
(22) FLEXOR - Laker pride and vengence awaits you sir! Not even your rap
clips can beat that!
(23) BOB - Shaq is a sad sad little man
(24) CBUCK - shaq is completely fake, uncouth and vulgar … too old to be as
foolish as he is that’s all he is… an old fool.
(25) KOBEMANIA - If the lakers ever retire Shaq's jersey I swear I will never
walk into staples again and hate the lakers 4 life
(26) TIM-4-SHOW - Shaq? He's like dog poop.
(27) TODD - but wow shaq has become a really sad story. the guy has no
pride. really how sad. shaq, plaese retire..you cant jump...you cant
shoot....you cant play and you definitley cant rap.
(28) LARRY - The Lakers ought to think twice before putting his name on the wall.
(29) THE FAN - Shaq got no class Shaq got no Rap Shaq got no game Shaq got no
rhyme Shaq got no wife Oh my dear... what a shame
(30) LAKERFANTASTIC - The Shaq Rap... Shaq the big dog don't know what he talk
about He to old got no game Just tryin to live on his fame Dissing KB24, what a bore
Heat let him go Poor Suns don't know Shaq over the hill But still paying his wifes bills
Shaq, you aint funny Just give HER a mil & homeboy, learn to rap cuz you just crap!
(31) GDCHILD - Shaq the idiot, old down the hill attention whore
(32) JANAYA - Shaq only gets along with jelly donuts.
(33) DOUBLEHAUL - Great, Shaq throws some gas on what was hoped by many of
us to be a dead fire.
(34) “PIG’ MILLER - How can a grown man be so childish?
(35) EDWIN GUECO - The end is near and curtain is about to fall.
(36) JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN – SHAQ FU, SHAQ WHO?

Fatty:"But please don't wear the thong thingy. That's a side of Mamba some of us
don't want to see. lol"
LMAOF LOL!!!! Come on Fatty, without my Purple and Gold thong it won't have the right
effect. ROFLMAO!!!

Mamba24 - poet laureate - strikes again!

Memo to Shack (Butler has the spelling right. A man that big IS a shack) - When you look in the mirror, what do you see? A goofy guy just having a little fun? A rich "athlete" who can do or say what he wants as long as it's with a smile? Well - we don't see you like that. And by "we" I mean people who were your fans, appreciate you for what you gave to the Laker organization, but who now can't stand the sight - or sound - of you. You're pitiful, man. A very close to being over-the-hill ex-athlete who is just a shadow of his former self, trying very hard to keep himself relevant at the expense of a serious, hard-working guy who's doing all he can to follow his own dreams while minding his own business. AND - by the way - assisted greatly with you accomplishing some dreams of your own. And now you've got the nerve - the ego - the utter disrespect - to do something like this??? You are a moron, sir. An irrelevant, narcissistic idiot who will say anything and do anything to keep some kind of spotlight focused on himself, regardless of the cost to others. You need to step off. Go back to the weight room you fat turd and do something constructive with your career. Go to marriage counselors or something and do something positive for the future of your children. Ultimately, you should take a vow of silence until you learn what it means to be a respectful human being.

REPOST

Good Morning Mamba24, Good Marning Charles, Jon K and ALL of Laker Nation!!!!!

The big ego strikes again (and again and again and again)............everybody in Phoenix better watch out, 'cause you are indeed next for the BBB.........BIG BRIDGE BURNER.

Shaq's days are over, and to see him show himself in this ptiful way is really, really sad.

Sorry Shaqtus, you're done!

And, by the way, no way in H E double hockey sticks this infantile excuse for a grown man should have the honor of his number up there alongside the likes of Wilt, the Logo, Cap, Magic, Big Game James or be associated in any way with the class that is the Lakers organization. Retire #34? Give me a break! You've embarassed the uni, the number, the team and the league.

I hope Stern lightens your wallet by a bunch.......it'll make it all the more comfoprtable when you're parked on the couch doing your preparation for next season.

The NBA.........where Shaq's lame fat a$$ happens!

Posted by: toad | June 24, 2008 at 09:40 AM

Mamba24, why don't you ask Shaq to rap duel at high noon, no contest man I'll arrange all the bookies representing the real Mamba.

Here is the latest on Shaq a**rap:

http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/8276128?MSNHPHMA

Awaiting the amount of fine from Stu Jackson as requested by David "Fine Tastes" Stearn. Keep on rapping Shaq. LOL!

The Big Bridge Burner

Happy Opt out day!!!

Now that we know Miami will trade Marion, all I need to know is Artest opting out. If he doesn't opt out then here is the trade with Miami.

Odom and Luke for Banks and Marion.

But I still think Artest will opt out. I know all of you experts will say he will never opt out but I am telling you there is a good chance he will. I will really think he wants to be a Laker.

Artest or Marion will be the Lakers Allen Iverson (the answer) to the SF position.

Now all we need is a big PG. And that will be Odom if he can get Artest to come over.

Ok I am done dreaming. No I am not done yet, can't we get Gerald Wallce for Lamar?

I guess what I am saying is Bye Bye Lamar. Dr. Buss is going to take advantage of the 14 million dollar chip like he did with Kwame's expiring contract.

How exciting to be a Laker Fan we are loaded for bear in the future.

BD

AMAZING HAPPENS:"I hope Kobe responds to Shaq with a loud and clear "NO COMMENT"."
AMEN!

Mamba24 you from Southern Cali?

Facts are facts:

1. Shaq has always been hot and cold, good and bad, mature and petty, dominant and inconsistent, leader and cancer. These qualities are always mix and match depending on the day.

2. We knew these things when he was with the Lakers, but didn't quite mind it as much because in 8 seasons he was the franchise player on 4 Finals teams and 3 title teams.

3. Without Shaq, the Lakers don't win titles this decade. That's painfully clear, especially now.

4. Shaq had reasons to go after Kobe, some understandable, many were just petty. And he held back for years until the moment when Kobe was most vulnerable. He's been wanting to spit that verse since 2003.

5. If anyone believes Shaq's rhyme was a "freestyle," I have Kwame Brown's Expiring Contract to sell you.

6. No excuse for Shaq going after Cap. None. Cap IS, WAS and ALWAYS WILL BE better than you, Big.

7. Did we really expect anything more or less from Big? Didn't we all know this was coming someday? This is part of who he is. Good Shaq and Bad Shaq are a package deal.

BD and others:

If MVP and LO7 are really good friends with RonRon - as reported - maybe we have a shot at signing him to the MLE. But I would imagine he would only do it if both MVP and LO7 took pay cuts as well after when their contracts are up and we know that probably won't happen.

I really don't think Lakers will do anything this Summer. There is no reason. One key injury (AB) and one of the supposedly key trades (Ariza) need to be fully assessed in camp and first part of season.

If Lakers do anything it will be at the Feb. trade deadline. If we are winning - I don't think LO7 gets traded. So, I think LO7 will be here until at least Feb. deadline. I really believe Buss, Mitch and PJ sit tight this Summer and see how LO, Pau and AB mix together the first part of the season.

If Lakers are not living up to expectation - I think LO's expiring contract gets dumped and the Lakers look to take advantage in a trade. But LO7 is expensive so we would run the risk of another player with a Luke/Vlad longer term (i.e. undumpable) contract. I don't think Buss will risk 20% of his team having expensive long-term contracts that offer little future asset value.

However, if poker player Buss just holds his cards - he gets big salary relief at the end of next season (LO7's contract) and can take advantage of 2009 free agent pool. And we will be one year closer to being able to trade Luke/Vlad....to make up for any salary mismatches.

It's all about assets & liabilities folks.....balance sheet management.

GO LAKERS!

Fairweather Fatty,

Hope you're well.

Personally, I think Shaq's number should be retired. Still, it'll be an odd feeling when that happens.

I'd be a lot happier to eventually see Fisher, Odom, Bynum, or Gasol's number be retired.

GO LAKERS!

I don't know which one is more pathetic: Shaq's "freestyle" or the legion of TROLLS with their needles still stuck on that Summer 2004 okedoke! 4 years and y'all still blame Kobe for the "breakup".

Get a life!

utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER:"Get a life!"

Easy Chaplain. This to will pass. The trolls are miserable
so they want you to be. But you are much to valuable,
you are worth a thousand trolls. Ignore them and they will
starve. Aint that what what you taught me. LOL.

LAKER JUSTICE:"Put me on the hang Shaq's uniform in the bathroom
(in the nosebleed seat section) until he warrants the respect of having his
number next to Magic, Kareem, and West's bandwagon. Then every time I pee,
I can say, that Shaq was a great player and then fart to qualify it."
ROFLMAO!!! STOP IT! PLEASE STOP IT NOW!! LOL!

FAITH:"I think of Shaq as like that guy that was a great man (a flawed man, coz let's
be honest if you read even a smidge of Roland Lazenby's "The NBA Education of Kobe
Bryant" you'll know Shaq was always a tool)...but went crazy towards the end.

Ah, Sweet kind understanding Faith. We will follow your lead lil sister.

Charles:"Mamba24 you from Southern Cali?"

Naw, East Coast Charles.

utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER,

I like today's passion.

BURN THE TROLL!

BURN THE TROLL!

GO LAKERS!

Peace,

"He's been wanting to spit that verse since 2003."

Did you catch that verse he did to Ben Wallace? Called him a Spider head, and said something to the effect "Kobe, you can't fly like me, fly like me!"

A track done in 2004-2005.

Best,

Kobe's reply rap.

"Fat boy on a diet,
Please Shaq try it.

You say I counln't win without you,
This year it is true.

But when we asked for you to loose weight,
You when out and ate lots of cake.

I was your inspiration in your championship with Wade,
And now you think of me after your last trade.

As im on the rise with Jordan, Gasol and Drew,
You are wishing this was you!

Jon,

You actually want Kwame back?

Well, I know there are some that do, but I'm not among them. I'd rather sign MBenga, because I know PJ will at least keep him on the bench, whereas with Kwam...

Fire32,
I appreciate your concern about the name calling. When I said Shaq was like dog poop, I was talking about his dissing of Kareem and their relative classiness as people. The Cap is the greatest center of all time (IMO) and Shaq's personage is like dog poop.

Fire32

You don't get it. And no my feelings aren't hurt. That's how it rolls on a blog.

How many days till pre season?

Posted by: Mamba24 | June 24, 2008 at 12:35 PM

Right?!

It's all good Tim-4-, I feel the same way you do. It's just that many people read this blog day in and day out and if all they read is name calling and blasting, then how are we any different than shaq? Thats all I'm saying. We're better than that. You here that Charles, I said WE"RE.
Next year shaqs gonna have to deal with Kobe and Bynum, thats all the talking we need to do.

here's a little former player update... and unfortunately it involves the celtics

tyronn lue, remember little "AI?", was at his hometown basketball league and said he may resign with dallas or join the celtics

that's actually a good look for boston... lue doesn't get much love as a backup but he can ball, as we all know esp when he singlehandedly beat us in atlanta

wish him well, but not too much hahah

guys who should have numbers retired as lakers before shaq.....

Vlade Divac
Eddie Jones
Nick Van Excel
A.C. Green
Derek Fisher
Norm Nixon
Byron Scott
Michael Cooper

just good does not cut it...you need to have some class. shaq has none....he is a big selfish brat....kobe has ego but tell me how many times has he let this city or team down?....how many times has he shown up to camp fat?.......how many times has he failed to perform?...to leave it on the court?......people open your eyes it is shaq who is the cancer.....

did penny play with kobe?......did kobe have a problem with pat riley?........next year we will be hearing about how selfish steve nash is....shaq was a very talented albeit lazy player for about eight years. now he is just fat.....lazy...bitter and over. retire ? yes shaq should retire. retire his number? no way...you have to be kidding