Among the Lakers fanbase, although O'Neal was more dominant, Kobe was more popular. After all, Kobe was a homegrown draft pick, while O'Neal had been acquired through a trade. Throughout the Lakers' long history, their strategy had always been to develop their own guards and then poach superstar centers from other teams. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Chamberlain, and O'Neal had all arrived this way.
When Su Xi discussed the matter with Isaiah Thomas, he said he believed the Lakers would keep Kobe.
It wasn't just for those reasons. The most important factor was that the playboy, Old Bass, saw Kobe as his own son. Even if O'Neal was the one who kept the Lakers a powerhouse, Bass would still keep Kobe.
"...You should trade for O'Neal," Su Xi said to Isaiah Thomas.
Isaiah Thomas had been sticking to Su Xi lately. Ever since Su Xi arrived in New York, he had been accompanying him, playing the part of the local host.
