4. Dominance – Shaquille O’neal
Shaq had a lot of nicknames for himself during his time with the Lakers, but the one that best described him during his time with the Lakers was M.D.E. – Most Dominant Ever. Shaq left a bad taste in a lot of Lakers fans mouths with his departure, but with all that aside, his dominance gave the Lakers their first three peat from 2000-2002. Shaq didn’t care who, or what was standing in his way, he was going to score and probably get fouled too (and most likely miss the free-throw). During the early 2000’s Lakers dynasty, Shaq bulldozed his way to 28.5 points per game, and 12.3 rebounds per game in the playoffs. The opponent didn’t matter, Shaq knew he was bigger, better, and stronger than any player, or team for that matter, who he faced.
We have all seen the talent and ability that this Laker team has, but now is the time they need to impose their will on their opponent. Not once this post season have we seen an all-out, dominant performance, Game 4 is the perfect opportunity to make it their first. The Lakers need to remember back to their 28-point shellacking they put on the Mavs’ on March 31st, and see how they dominated Dallas on that night. A dominant Game 4, on the Mavs’ home court, could put a little doubt in the back of some Maverick minds.
Next: Believe