qb][/QUOTE]I'm still not worried. If they're still not in the 8th spot by the All-Star break, then I'll start worrying. You have to remember that Shaq is still nowhere near game shape, and it could take him a couple months.[/QB][/QUOTE]

I agree. It is still so early. The Lakers, without Shaq in the preseason, are going through the rustiness that preseason usually shakes loose. As long as he stays healthy going forward they will slowly chip away at the teams ahead of them. They may end up with the best record in the west, but they are similar to the Yankees with all that post season experience. I think the Laker bashers should wait before declaring the Lakers dead too soon.