With NBA Lakers rumors of 2012, the comparisons were inevitable between the latest roster, and previous editions. That also means a big time comparison between two of their most recent and biggest superstars, Shaquille O'Neal and Dwight Howard. While the comparisons seem valid as they've been the two best big men in the league in recent history, will Howard mimic Shaq's game while he's the latest center of attention in LA?
While a new article says it will be quite a while before there's another Shaq, it's known by avid NBA fans and pro basketball analysts that D-Howard is the next big thing in the league. He's got the physical abilities, skill set and charisma that is generally endearing to the fans, or at least the ones he is now playing for in Los Angeles.
It's now being discussed how just like Kobe brought pieces of Michael Jordan's game to his, Dwight Howard can take pieces of Shaq's game to incorporate into his own. One way Howard can do this is by using his power game effectively in the low post, just as Shaq used to. Howard tends to favor the low left block where he can explode to the hoop for a dunk, or get a high quality hook shot.
Another aspect of Shaq's game that Howard can, and probably will, mimic is using his agility and quickness as an advantage. It's what has made good big men even greater players. Howard can use a quick first step to find a way to get by his defender, or find another opening.
The Bleacher Report writer says the greatest asset that Shaq had and Howard can use is "taking their common traits—size, power, quickness, athleticism—and using them in an open court setting rather than only relying on them in the half court." With a guy like Steve Nash running the break, or a superstar like Kobe Bryant who is known for his quickness and agility, the Lakers can get easier transition baskets. Howard could be the man who is out ahead of the pack down the floor for the "showtime" dunk highlight.
Just like Shaq was for the Lakers, Howard will also provide the presence of a dominant big man. He cannot only intimidate opponents on the defensive end and send shots away or grab rebounds, he can also be the main option on half court or full court plays. It should be interesting to see if he becomes LA's leading scoring option, or if that role continues to be handled by Kobe Bryant. Nonetheless, LA is really back in the driver's seat with that 1-2 combo, which now benefits from the services of a stellar point guard like Steve Nash running things and the dominant post player that is Dwight Howard.
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