It's all about Shaq.

[Rhylan]

I just wanna remind everybody, that simply PLAYING with Shaq for two, three, four seasons, makes you a WAY better player, even if he's not on the court at the time.

We need look no further than Nick Anderson, Dennis Scott, and even to some extent, Penny Hardaway.

Of course, I do belive that Robert Horry is just a solid, smart, talented player. But the rest of the role players - Fisher, Fox, George - are reaping the benefits of having years of mental advantages over their opponents.

They get open looks when Shaq is on the court. After a little while, they learn to knock them down. As a result, they are respected by their opponents. Their opponents are STILL so concerned with doubling Shaq that they still get those open looks. As a result, they develop confidence that exceeds their talent. They learn to execute even better. Then, they are overrated by their opponents, gaining further mental advantage.

Put them all on a team with a coaching staff that emphasizes a cerebral approach to the game and to defense, and bang, there you have it. A bunch of spares end up being the ones that beat you. That's why they win. They don't win JUST because they've got Shaq and Kobe. They win because playing with the Daddy made them winners.

As long as Shaq stays healthy enough to do what he did this year, they're going to win every playoff series they play in, until another team finally crosses that mental hurdle. It may be Sacto's year this year. We'll see.

[DrtyFlthyNstYnQuik31]

of course its all about shaq.. he demands soo much attention in the post.. Shaqs presence alone is enough for almost any team to win games...I think nellie should start playing how the kings play shaq. Let kobe and shaq get theres, no double or triple teaming and just stay close on the others... I live in LA and see that method working a lot of the times...

[David]

Fisher can play belly-to-belly on Nash because he knows if Nash gets by him, Shaq will block his shot. Nash knows not to drive when Shaq is in there because of the shot blocking. That stops the drive-and-kick-the-ball-out part of the Mavs offense, which is a BIG part of their regular offense. The Lakers KNOW Nash is going to pass it out because he can't go to the basket. They play the passing lanes when Nash drives because he has to pass it IF he drives. It really hurts the flow for the Mavs.