Shaq to Pair with LeBron in Cleveland?

At this point we've heard the rumors going around about Shaq possibly going to Cleveland to play with LeBron. Well, it really isn't a rumor, it's an option that is being weighed by their teams right now.

Being raised in Cleveland, OH and being a life-long Cavaliers fan, my only concerns about getting Shaq would be his age, and the wear and tear he has put his body through. Even though I love Shaq, always have... at 37/38 years old, is he going to have what it takes to get it done all season long and into the Finals? Or even in the conference finals should the Cavs have to meet Orlando and the fresh Dwight Howard again. He looked great last year with the Suns, but will he be able continue playing at that level much longer?

This Cavaliers team is a team that must win now or get exceptionally better every year to have any hope of keeping the phenom LeBron James. Should O'Neil happen to run out of gas or be plagued by an injury, and the Cavs not having another big man able to provide you the same effective minutes, you run the risk of going through yet another disappointing year with LeBron sitting as a free agent at the end. We already know how upset James was when he lost to the Magic this year. He took a lot of criticism for his lack sportsmanship and failure to address the media.

2010 is right around the corner now. If the Cavs were to make another mistake it may be their last in the LBJ era. I want nothing more than to have James a Cavalier his entire career, but LeBron is a very smart businessman. As long as he is winning Championships and playing the type of game he displays every night, it doesn't matter who he play for, he is going to be noticed globally and in turn will be paid! If he doesn't win, he makes money... just not nearly as much. Now if he leaves Cleveland for New York, LA, Miami, or Chicago he will instantly be placed in a bigger market that would net him a greater profit even if he isn't winning the Championships.

Thankfully LeBron's pedigree is that of a winner, maybe even if to a flaw. The flaw being a sometimes apparent lack of loyalty to the city of Cleveland and it's fans. We all know his love for the Yankee's and what LBJ did at the Indian's playoff series against the Yankees. He also did something similar when the Browns played the Dallas Cowboys. I personally wish he rooted for the home team, being that Akron is 30 minutes from Cleveland, but... he can root for who ever he wants - as long as he's winning games for the Cavaliers :)

That being said, if Danny Ferry can secure a healthy Shaquille O'Neil that can play hard - without injury, I very much like the Cavs chances at a Championship and LeBron staying. I can see it now... Cavs vs Lakers Finals 2009/2010, LeBron and Shaq vs Kobe and Phil Jackson! ahhh one can only wish! If the move goes through though and it doesn't work out... I don't even want to say it.

Decisions, decisions...