You Make The Call

Friday, July 19, 1996

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Richard Kaweloa, Kapolei: "It's a great move by the Lakers. They're young and quick, and all they need to be a force in the NBA is a dominating center. It's a good investment by Jerry West. They might bring back 'Showtime' to Los Angeles."

Dean Carvalho, Waianae: "It doesn't make a difference where he plays. To me, he sucks."

Bernard Dunham, Punchbowl: "Someone, please call 911. I'm having a Shaq Attack! I love it. The Lakers lose Divac, Peeler and Lynch and acquire Shaq, Cobey Bryant and Sean Rooks. Besides Sedale Threatt, everyone on this team is under 28 years old. Jerry West proves once again he's the king of NBA GMs."

Romeo Anacan, Kaimuki: "The power shifted from the East back to the West. L.A. will win the Western Conference next year with Shaq and Cedric Ceballos, Nick Van Exel and Eddie Jones."

Jason Canianes, Honolulu: "Awesome!"

Titus Chang, Kailua: "I think if he goes to Los Angeles and he wins a couple championships, he's worth the money. But as far as his character goes, I thought he should've stayed at Orlando. It seems when money becomes available, players lose interest in the game. The true test of his character will be what he does now."

John Toledo, Aiea: "I feel that Shaquille is in there for the money. On his commercial, he shows five fingers with no rings. I don't think he can get a ring in Los Angeles, but he could have in Orlando."

Paul Carlson, Kaneohe: "I think he'll be a great addition to the Lakers, and help them avoid disappointment in the playoffs."

Allen Alejandro, Ewa Beach: "The Lakers will be a force to be reckoned with. The Bulls had better watch out."

Randall Fong, Honolulu: "No doubt, money talks. And $120 million is hard to pass up. It's too bad, though, because Orlando would've been the team of the future."

Bill Fuson, Honolulu: "Basically, I don't believe anyone is worth $120 million."

Jason Placido, Kalihi: "That was stupid of Shaq. He should've stayed in Orlando. They're much better than L.A."

Travis Yoshinaga, Manoa: "The Lakers will improve, but they will have trouble with Seattle and Houston. And the big questions are: Will he fit in? And will he be the answer to winning a championship?"

Randy Miyamoto, McCully: "It'll be good for L.A., but expensive for the fans. The average fan cannot afford to see the game, as prices will be $20 in the Bob Uecker seats, and a lot more closer to the floor."

Kele Perkins, Ewa Beach: "He'll help the Lakers win some games, but mostly he will increase the hype in L.A., and lose some of the games because he can't shoot free throws. So I don't think he's worth $120 million, or even $80 million or $50 million. Shaquille O'Neal is too much hype and not enough production."

Eric Rodriguez, Red Hill: "Shaq has L.A. Fever. He saw the big money, the big movie contracts and that's the reason he's leaving."

Norman Brewster, Waikiki: "Shaquille will make the Lakers a powerhouse out west. And Jerry West has to be named the thief of the year, because of the way he stole Shaquille O'Neal. But the Lakers have been known for stealing great players over the years, such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and the draft picks that got them Magic Johnson and James Worthy. So I think it will be great for the Lakers."

Jackie Kaiihue, Papakolea: "The deal between Shaq and the Lakers is pretty dumb. If he's worth that much money, he should be able to shoot free throws."

Geoffrey Chang, Salt Lake: "The Lakers should pay him $10 million more so he will learn to shoot free throws and make some shots other than dunks."

Garrett Choy, McCully: "If he can handle the attention of playing in the Forum, there may be a Magic Johnson comeback, and the team will rely a lot on Shaq."