GaryChapla is a journalism juniorSend comments to: sauvecito6@hotmail.com
Shaquille O’Neal finally found himself standing at destiny’sdoorstep last month in Houston, bearing down for the verdict that wasawaiting him for so long: The game won’t change for him; he’ll haveto change for the game.
After all, Laker lore won’t stand for anything otherwise.
It was a battle of wills that night in Houston, as Shaq and thefiery old veteran Charles Barkley mixed it up.
The tricky veteran accomplished what he and the Rockets could havefully utilized in hope of manufacturing a win Nov. 12 — a frustratedShaq heading for the showers at halftime. As it was, the Lakersbarely held on to an 89-88 victory. And because of their feud, bothhe and Charles were absent for the next matchup at the StaplesCenter, in Los Angeles, in which the Rockets won 92-81, handing theLakers their second loss in seven games.
Shaq needs to realize he can’t give into temptation if the Lakersare to win a championship. Yes, the re-emergence of Kobe Bryant willhelp the Lakers, but Shaq shouldn’t wait until then. He should stepup now — not just physically, but mentally as well.
He’d be wise to review past games of Laker legends, to see whatthey did in bringing home the glory.
The greats — George Mikan, Wilt Chamberlain and KareemAbdul-Jabbar — always loomed large in the game of giants. Theymaximized both their physical and mental games. When at their peak,the contest always lay in the hands of these big men.
During their respective eras, they dominated the game day andnight. Basketball had never changed for them. They played the role ofthe big, bad giant who couldn’t be stopped. They were resilient, notletting anything stand in the way between them and their dream — achampionship — even if it meant less scoring and more team play, ordealing with friction in the post.
Can O’Neal do this? Yes. How?
By understanding these two rules: Turn keen to possible fouls anddon’t succumb to anger by fighting back. Or, venture down the longpath of free-throw improvement. Those are the two most powerfulweapons he has.
For now, this season, it’ll come down to free throws. If thegame’s not a blowout, it’s quite possible Shaq’s horrific 35 percentfree-throw shooting will dictate the tone for many Lakers’ post-gameinterviews. More than likely, the free-throw will continue to be hisworst enemy.
Shaq can get away with miserable foul shooting he’s mentallyready.
You see, Chamberlain shot a paltry 51 percent from the free-thowline, but he was smart, constantly conscientious that he was going tobe fouled. And that sheer understanding of possible fouls lurkingaround the corner carried him far through the league. He was strong,mentally.
Mikan and Abdul-Jabbar?
George punished his rivals with short-range jumpers and a 78free-throw percentage. Kareem used his patented sky-hook shot,knowing his reliable 72 percent from the line was there for backup.More importantly, when critical, they played a heady game while notletting vengeance dictate their future plans.
These legends never let the worst get the best of them.
Essentially, Shaq needs to learn from the legends.
This means that he desperately needs to keep a level head. No moreblow-ups underneath the basket. No more taunting or stare-downs andfinger-pointing. No more excuses. No more of anything that might earnhim another early trip to the showers.
He’s just too vital to the Lakers.
After all, he’s no longer an eager 20-year-old, fresh out ofLouisiana State University, predicting future stardom in the leagueof stars, trying to make a name for himself. He has. He’s a guy whocan’t take the heat during battle. He’s now seven years into the NBA,and trying to follow through on his promise of becoming one of thegreatest centers of all-time.
This means he needs to deliver a championship at any expense.
Sure, Shaq has provided us with above-average statistics,averaging 27 points with 12 boards a game. But again, because this27-year-old can’t come to grips with reality, the rest of the leaguewill continually call for conspiracy and engage in the ritual of”Hack-A-Shaq.”
Sooner or later, he’ll get tired of the relentless fouling.Hopefully, someday, Shaq will learn from the legends and find hisplace among the stars. Mikan, No. 99, Abdul-Jabbar, No. 33, and evenold lucky No. 13, Chamberlain, each gave the Lakers titles.
