Shaq relishing LeBron partnership
03/07/2009 8:34 AM
Cleveland Cavaliers newcomer Shaquille O'Neal is relishing the challenge of winning an NBA title with fellow superstar LeBron James.
O'Neal arrived in Ohio this week after joining from the Phoenix Suns and hopes to form a partnership with captain James similar to the brilliant double acts he enjoyed with Kobe Bryant at the Los Angeles Lakers - winning three titles - and Dwyane Wade with Miami Heat, where he won one.
O'Neal said: "My motto is simple - win a ring for The King (James)."
"They say things happen in threes. I won with Kobe and with the great Dwyane Wade."
The former MVP, now 37 years old, hopes he can make the difference for the Cavaliers after they failed to follow up their impressive regular season in the post-season, when they missed out on the finals with elimination by the Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference finals.
"I'm not going to do it by myself, LeBron's not going to do it by himself," O'Neal added.
"It takes a team, an organisation."
"I'm just here to do my part and help a damn good team get over the hump. It's LeBron's team. I'm here. He's the captain. I'm here to protect The King."