Introducing the Newest NBA Duo: LeShaq and LeBron

The Big Aristotle aka Shaquille O’Neal is on his way to Cleveland now, teaming up with another budding superstar named LeBron James. If you don’t know him by now, just refer here and here. He was last year’s Most Valuable Player.

First there was Shaq-Kobe, then Shaq-D-Wade, and now Shaq-Bron. It raises many concerns but the one thing it does show is: What LeBron wants, LeBron gets.

Shaq coming to Cleveland will only benefit LeBron and his backcourt duo of Delonte West and Maurice ‘Mo’ Williams. It takes a lot of attention off of LeBron and gives him more scoring opportunities.

However, is Shaq the big man LeBron needs to get over the hump? It was evident in the 2009 Eastern Conference Finals that LeBron needed a legit big man but at 37 years old, can Shaq still get it done?

I think so.

The Shaq-Kobe feud was well, long-winded to say the least. Shaq had no problem taking a backseat to D-Wade. In Phoenix, injuries, coaching changes, and a lack of depth kept Shaq from getting far. But in Cleveland, Shaq and LeBron could be one of the scariest duos in the NBA.

Don’t get me wrong, I question Shaq’s health and durability but not his desire. In 04-05, he guaranteed Miami a title and low and behold, it came to Miami. He tried to guarantee the same in Phoenix, but…see above.

A guarantee of a title in Cleveland is not far from the horizon. It fixes the issue of having a solid presence in the middle and it brings the Shaq vs. Dwight Howard to fruition. It’s become evident, especially through the media, of the dislike Shaq has for both Stan Van Gundy and his young star Dwight Howard. And the critics can now be laid to rest as to who is the best center in the NBA now when these two face off during the regular season. But, it also can show who has the desire and will to win come playoff time also.

The biggest thing Shaq brings to the table for Cleveland is experience and leadership. Shaq’s defense isn’t great but it’s not every game that Dwight Howard faces a big man of Shaq’s size or experience. Shaq can bring the confidence that was lacking in the Eastern Conference Finals. He never backs down, always says what’s on his mind, and for the most part, has always come out on top.

The quest for a championship begins now for Cleveland and how well Shaq and LeBron can get along and mesh together this offseason will ultimately decide whether or not LeBron can finally be called an NBA Champion.