It's not about LeBron, really. Sure, it is for the Cavs, their fans and for those who believe the Little Franchise That Should put all its hopes for an NBA title in the LeBron Era (however short it may be) on the shoulders of 37-year-old Shaquille O'Neal.

In other words, it's next season or probably not.

But it's not about LeBron.

This trade, the biggest of a major trade season already, is at least as much about legacy. Shaquille O'Neal's legacy.

Should he lead LeBron to the jewelers, should he give Cleveland its first championship in any sport that matters, O'Neal will thrust his Shaqulicious self smack into the debate over the best player of the generation.

And he knows it.

He's been pretty quiet since Kobe won his first ring without him earlier this month. Uncharacteristically so. He was gracious and congratulatory in words, deeds and tweets, even as Kobe was elevated to "best ever" status by some and at least a solid No. 2 by most.

He was also patient, too, though I'm certain he was aware that something was brewing up north, that he was soon going to be paired with the Chosen One, where he'd have the chance to fit his third Young Thing with a ring.

Kobe was the first beneficiary, three times; then Dwyane Wade rode the Big One to the title in '06.

Now, it's LeBron's turn to saddle up.

Or maybe it's the other way around.

Winning rings with Kobe, D-Wade and LeBron would make O'Neal, at minimum, the league's MVT (Most Valued Teammate) of this era.

Certainly the most dominant.

Arguably the best.

That's what it's about. Really.

AP Photo

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