The Slightly Odd Couple: Gauging the Lebron-Shaq Partnership

Even with all the big moves of the NBA Free Agency, the biggest (literally) still has to be Shaquille O'Neal joining forces with LeBron James for at least this upcoming season.

Much has to be said for the aligning of polarizing forces of different skill-sets and ages, James being young and O'Neal nearing the end of his career.

LeBron is known as one of the best closers in the game, while Shaq is the most dominant post presence of this modern era.

This partnership is very different from either of the previous duos the Diesel has been a part of. In the case of coming to Los Angeles with Kobe and Miami with Dwyane Wade, he was the big dog.

With MVP LeBron James in Cleveland, the dynamic is quite different.

Shaq becomes more of a Superman to LeBron's Batman, two amazing players and possible hall-of-famers.

But at 37, how much does Shaq have left in the tank? How motivated is he to get his fifth ring before Kobe?

He claims to be more motivated than ever by what Kobe has done this year and the Superman persona that Dwight Howard has obtained in this past season.

For the first time since his rookie season in Orlando, Shaq was not a part of the playoffs this year in Phoenix.

He has seen a younger version of himself take over and lead Shaq's first team, the Orlando Magic, back to the NBA Finals and steal the latter's title of Superman.

In addition, Shaq is in the final year of a long deal where he will be paid roughly $21 million.

If there is any other motivation for Shaq to play hard for possibly his last title shot, it's the opportunity to end Cleveland 45-year title drought.

How they play together will be a very entertaining saga. James' play-making ability is renown for making his teammates better on the offensive end.

Shaq won't be the type of center to make the 15-footer like fellow teammate Zydrunas Ilgauskas. But he does something Z does not do—command double teams in the low post.

Shaq can provide the inside presence that Orlando killed Cleveland with in Howard.

How LeBron plays off of it will be the entertaining part, because he's never played with this type of player before.

An improved jump shooter, James might be able to get some more open looks and try to stretch the floor.

In addition, his driving ability puts opponents who are already in foul trouble dealing with Shaq, and will either give him limited contests to the basket or more foul shots. This will also lead to more drive-and-kick plays to open shooters.

LeBron is unlike any other superstar, with the ability to take over games with his scoring or with his passing and defense.

Having a guy like Shaq who is so dominant on the block will give LeBron his security blanket on offense when things break down.

While the NBA season doesn't start for several months, most people still have to consider that Cleveland will be one of the most improved teams in the league, and they have as good a shot as anyone to win the title.

The total Shaq effect is unclear, but no doubt it will be fun to watch these two outgoing personalities and how they interact on and off the court.

Shaq has already accepted the role of LeBron's sidekick and has made it his personal mission to get the "King" a ring.

This season will be his last chance to get one for the thumb, as his legacy is about to end just as LeBron's is ready to launch to stratospheric levels.