It will be a merry Christmas in Miami

What's big and strong, and red all over? It's not a trick question; it's Shaquille O'Neal in a Miami Heat uniform. \nNot only is he sporting some new threads, but Shaq appears to be in a completely new body. He has shed some of his powerful pounds and added a stylish Hulk Hogan goatee for the added intimidation factor. If Hulk Hogan could be the heavyweight champion of the World Wrestling Federation, why can't Shaq, who is also a heavyweight, reign as NBA champion again?\nWell folks, he can and he will. A promise is a promise, and Shaq promised the basketball fans of Miami a championship in the upcoming years. Leaving Los Angeles for Miami was the best decision Shaq could have possibly made, even though he did not have many options in the situation. \nHe now joins a young Miami Heat squad with one of the best new guards in the NBA in Dwayne Wade, while the Lakers are without Phil Jackson, and have major issues with Kobe Bryant running things on the court.\nI know it's easy to just jump on the "bash wagon" for Laker criticism, but anybody who has actually suffered through watching the NBA in recent years has seen that the best teams have been just that: a team. The reigning NBA champions, the Detriot Pistons, did not have just one player scoring 35 points a game, but rather five players all contributing equally, with a different hero every night. \nThe Lakers on the other hand were pathetic last season because they lacked chemistry on the court, and this year will be no exception.\nWhat the Pistons did last year will most likely change the entire landscape of the NBA in years to come. They finally solidified the Eastern Conference as contenders -- which will pave the way for teams like the Heat, Pacers, Magic and Knicks. Therefore, Shaq's return to the East has impeccable timing. Forget about him being the league's Most Valuable Player or leading scorer -- pending any injuries it could very well happen, but it's not a top priority for Shaq. \nDo count on him getting his Heat teammates involved quite a bit during games and sacrificing his own stats for additions to the win column. Of course, you can also count on him having the worst free throw percentage in the league.\nHowever, when all is said and done, Shaq will be the one benefiting from the entire Kobe/Shaq breakup. Sure Kobe will go out and score 40 points a game, but he has nobody around him as a compliment. Great teams are built on great duos and trios. The Bulls had Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, and the Celtics of old had Larry Bird, Kevin McHale and Robert Parish. Kobe has Lamar Odom and Brian Grant. I rest my case.\nNo matter what happens though, neither Kobe nor Shaq will care about basketball until Christmas. Mark your calendars everybody because on Christmas day 2004 a war will be on national television. Two former teammates will do battle in the most highly anticipated match-up since Bush and Kerry. The NBA might soon see its highest ratings since a certain No. 23 touched a basketball. \nFor Kobe and Shaq, it's all business from here on out. Reputations are greatly at stake and the winner will have bragging rights forever. \nSo Santa, if you're reading this, all I want for Christmas is a Miami Heat victory. And while you're at it, I could probably use a new CD player.