Of course, O'Neal's performance on the court this season was unquestionably exceptional.
But Riley knows that once the Lakers are exposed in the playoffs, especially if they get blown out by Gan again, the Lakers will surely implode internally.
Calculating Riley is once again ready to feast on the carcass of a whale.
The lineup he previously built with Rashid Wallace, PJ Brown, Rice, and Marley has aged quickly.
Wallace is impressive, but he's not an MVP-level superstar like Olajuwon or Drexler.
What Riley needs is a superstar, one that can change the league's landscape; he doesn't care for ordinary All-Stars.
Moreover, Riley holds the Memphis Grizzlies' 2003 draft pick in his hand, which was a benefit obtained during the 2000 off-season trade involving Marshon and Tim Hardaway from the Grizzlies.
The Grizzlies couldn't help it; due to insufficient attendance, they couldn't stay in Vancouver and moved to Memphis.
