A common narrative that I’ve seen about the early 2000s Lakers is that they would have still 3-peated if Shaq was paired with any all star guard during that time. That got me think whether Shaq could win with AI, Kidd, T Mac, Vince, Ray Allen or even Baron Davis. Imo I think he would have atleast went back to back with any of these players considering Kobe didn’t add much value in 2000.
Yeah.
League was looking to replace MJ as a mascot. Shaq sold and he was carrying anyone along with him…Kobe got lucky.
Tracy McGrady, Vince, Carter, and Ray Allen all could have taken Kobe’s spot and not miss a beat. The Kobe then is not the Kobe of his last 2 rings