The Shaq-Lebron Relationship

The only way this relationship between Shaquille O'Neal and Lebron James can succeed if they can manage to put their egos aside for the team for 82 games. Shaq has to know that he must defer to King James, because this is his team. O'Neal must learn that that he must be a consummate teammate and defender, because Cleveland will need his muscle and strength against Dwight Howard's Orlando Magic and offensive skills against the mighty Boston Celtics and the underrated, athletic Atlanta Hawks.

This is Lebron's year. This is win or bust. After this season, James is eligible for free agency and can sign with another team not named Cleveland. Shaquille O'Neal must learn that this is Lebron's final year of winning a championship while with the Cavaliers. Whatever happens, O'Neal and James must not bicker. As we've seen in the pre-season, these two have gotten along quite well.

If fans must learn to watch these two in Cleveland bring an NBA title to the Cavs, one must watch carefully how Lebron feeds the ball to Shaq in the post in order for O'Neal to be effective. Even at his declining age, Shaq is wiser. He knows from experience how to get around his defenders. There is no denying that O'Neal has had that experience of winning 4 NBA titles during his luminous career, 3 with the LA Lakers teaming with Kobe Bryant and one with the Miami Heat with Dwyane Wade. If O'Neal is to get his fifth ring, he must be able to defer to Lebron James without complaint.