David Carty's Homepage

How cute is this?

For all the squabbling, egotism, and grandstanding that has marred the afterlife of the new millennium Los Angeles Lakers, last Sunday's NBA All-Star Game gave basketball fans a cushy, feel-good moment. In a meaningless game, with zero circumstances, Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant offered a glimpse of one the NBA's best ever duos.

Kobe, being Kobe, logged 29 minutes, scored 27 points, and split MVP duties with O'Neal. The Man of Steel, despite logging a team-low 10:56 playing time, bucketed 8-of-9 shots, many of which were set up by his former pivot.

After the game, Shaq and Kobe tussled over the MVP award for the benefit of the NBA viewing public. Good thing they build that thing sturdier than the G-E-I-C-O game trophy. Who knew My Little Pony had a place in basketball?

Picture perfect isn't it? I mean, sure, never mind the fact that Shaq's infamous, uh, whatever you call this, was a mere nine months ago. And forget the fact that Kobe called Shaq "fat", mentioned "childlike selfishness", and, oh yeah, he may have told police that the big man drops seven figures to keep women quiet about his involvement with them.

But none of that mattered last weekend. It was all laughs, and dancing, and fond memories.

That led to the somewhat-natural follow-up question of: Could they co-exist again? Could one of the league's all time greatest duos put aside the potty talk and hurt feelings? Could they make one last run?

No. Not maybe. No.

I mean, is it feasible? I suppose it is. At the NBA All-Star break Phoenix sat ninth in the Western Conference, disappointing enough to dump its head coach of four months - Terry Porter. And, sure, the Suns have made it very public that Amar'e Stoudemire is on the trading block, which is just three days away. The Lakers have lost their defacto big man, Andrew Bynum, to injury, again.

So, on one hand, you have an aging center in what is likely the final year of his career languishing on a disappointing team and a first place team that, under normal circumstances, would be an ideal fit.

Salary wrangling would be a problem, but, when it comes to championship hopes, the only incorrect amount spent is "not enough".

But, no, it can't happen. While a bloated salary could be greased up enough to fit a tight space, the Lakers are fresh out of space for a 325-pound addition of egotism.

Lest ye forget, Jerry Buss signs the checks and Kobe pays the bills.

Regardless of what Lakers fans or NBA fans would like - or dread - seeing, sometimes the past is best left to the past.

It's just like that ex-girlfriend whose number sits on the desk or in your cell phone. You tell yourself, 'Maybe, this time, it will work. Maybe we can recapture those good times. There were so many positives! Why not give it a shot?'

Funny how time glamourizes the good and makes you forget that same girl once tried to throw a lamp at you.

The Lakers reached the NBA Finals last season on the back of heroic performances by Bryant and solid contributions from a young bench. Acquiring O'Neal is a reversal of course and, likely, of fortunes.

The Suns sacrificed their fast-footed ways to bring in the foul-line-aphobe and have experienced a steady decline since.

The Big Aristotle proved to be entertaining host in the desert last weekend, emphasizing more than ever, that it takes a dry climate for the Shaqtus to grow.