For how long though? Hopefully for awhile.
In the past six games, O'Neal has averaged 16.8 rebounds and four blocks -- well over his season averages of 11.4 and 2.48. And though he's scored at a modest, steady pace of 21.7 points per game, O'Neal's emphasis has clearly been at the defensive end.
"I'm feeling better, I'm doing what Tex (Winter) and Phil (Jackson) want me to do," O'Neal said. "Phil wants me to focus on getting boards and getting some more blocked shots. We've got a lot of scorers on this team, and whenever I can get a high-percentage look at the basket, I'm going to take it. I'm not going to force too many shots, take too many ill-advised shots. I'm going to just rebound, play defense and try to keep everybody else involved."
There is little danger of the Lakers losing with a defensive-minded Shaq. They are 18-2 when he gets at least 14 rebounds and 14-0 when he gets at least 15. They are 15-1 when he blocks at least four shots.
Jackson on defensive minded Shaq:
"Would you repeat that question again? Because I can't believe someone actually said that," Jackson said. "He believes the idea that he can be a defensive force and a rebounding force first and foremost? Every time I've ever said that to Shaquille, he's always said, 'I'm a scorer, I'm not a rebounder and a defensive player.'
"That's an idea I've tried to sell Shaquille for the last three years. That makes a huge difference to our team."
Not good news for the rest of the league. A defensive minded Shaq is bad for everyone but perfect for the Lakers. Now I'm starting to think the Lakers are the team to beat again and have a very very good chance to win it all especially after they just tortured the Kings the other night 
