Still not easy for the Lakers

[Andrew]

Shaq listed as a game-time decision for Friday

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- Shaquille O'Neal won't start Friday against Chicago, and it will be a gametime decision whether the Lakers center plays at all in what would be his season debut.

Seems Laker haters may have a few more games to laugh at the Lakers' place in the standings, and Laker fans may not see their team turn things around straight away. For unbiased people like myself, good idea not to rush Shaq back into his usual playing time, avoiding re-aggravation of the toe and causing him to miss more games. From their current record, it's safe to say the Lakers really are missing Shaq right now.

[Venom]

i think lakers team without shaq is much better then 3-9...i guess they were just waiting for him to come back,and really start playing

[Andrew]

Well, Shaq is playing in the Chicago game, and did come off the bench. The first quarter hasn't concluded yet, so how long he will play remains to be seen.

[Andrew]

I think Shaq's not feeling too bad, 13 points (6/8 FG) and 3 rebounds in 11 minutes. He's just been taken out for Horry though.

[Clinton]

He finished up with 17 points (8 of 13), 7 boards and a steal in 21 minutes. That's all the Lakers needed, that second option. They were nowhere near their best and they won't be for a few weeks maybe months, but there are going to be a lot more wins now. Kobe finally has some help. They don't need Shaq at his best to win games. They can limit his minutes like they did and Kobe can play his normal game and doesn't have the offensive load and he plays better off Shaq anyway..

[Andrew]

That state line is encouraging for the Lakers, and bad news for the rest of the league, although while Shaq's minutes are limited, teams with better inside players than the Bulls will probably pick up a couple of wins.

[mkool8]

Yeah, I agree w/ Andrew that it's a good idea to slow the return of Shaq. Playing him of the bench is the way to go, they can win games with him coming of the bench and he gets rest to get ready for the playoffs. If I were Phil, I wouldn't start Shaq until after the all star break. (I know it's not going to happen) If they can win with Shaq coming off the bench, it's a good idea to keep him there till after the all-star break.