[GoreIsLove]

Exactly. As he is in Sac to Stojakavic, Webber and Bibby. My defense of Vlade came as a result of someone who said he wouldn't crack the Laker starting five in lieu of Walker or Horry at the four, or that he'd even make the team. If the Laker's had a reliable backup to Shaq, or someone else to bang inside like Ho Grant last year or Oakley potentially next year, Shaq wouldn't get so banged up himself as he has this year. Playing Vlade at the four in limited action, and at center (to get Shaq some needed rest) would be devastating for any team that played LA. This is all conjecture of course. Imagine if LA still had Doug Christie and Anthony Peeler instead of Deavan George and MItch Richmond.

[gubamyster]

Imagine if LA still had Doug Christie and Anthony Peeler instead of Deavan George and MItch Richmond.

That's a lot of "what ifs". That's why there is an All Star game. You need to trade players to get players & hopefully have the right chemistry - all under the salary cap.