Well it's been a while since the blockbuster trade that brought All-Star center Dwight Howard to the Los Angeles Lakers, but a lot of current and former players are still being asked about the move that brought 'Superman' to play alongside Kobe Bryant in L.A.
The initial reaction was that the move resulted in a serious power shift in the NBA with the Lakers potentially becoming the favorites to win the Western Conference next season. Also the potential finals matchup of the Lakers playing against the defending Miami Heat gained much interest as well.
So far most there have been mixed feelings about the deal. Most players believe it's a brilliant move, but one former Laker great and future Hall of Famer seems to have no love for Howard.
Four-time NBA champion Shaquille O'Neal was recently interviewed by Rachel Whittaker if The Times-Picayune and was asked about his reaction after hearing Howard was traded to the Lakers:
"I don't have a reaction. You have to care to have a reaction. I've got businesses to run. I always tell people that in order to step in my shoes you have big shoes to fill. For him, he's going to have to at least win three to get people's respect."
Even though Shaq and former Lakers centers like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar have set the bar very high in terms of winning championships, Howard better be up to the task because the three-time NBA Finals MVP is right on the money with his comments.
For Howard, the pressure is on before he even sets foot on the floor in Los Angeles.
Shaq has basically called out the Lakers newest superstar with a challenge of winning three or more titles in L.A. or he'll fail to live up to his accomplishments as Kobe's running mate.
