Just like that, O'Neal also started scoring. His coordination with Tracy and Jason was quite good. As a finisher, he's more than competent.
However, when O'Neal can only play the role of a finisher, his significance on the tactical side is greatly diminished.
Scoring 30 points through pick-and-rolls, roll-ins, and putbacks is strategically different from scoring 30 points by grinding in the low post and drawing fouls.
The former is just 30 points, while the latter implies that you can create scoring opportunities worth 10, 20, or even 30 points for your teammates.
Del Harris also realized this, but there wasn't much he could do. O'Neal, at 7'1", just couldn't dominate Ah Gan, who's 6'10", in the low post.
So the Lakers continued to use Jason Kidd as the offensive pivot, constantly accelerating and using ball distribution and the frontcourt to attack the Trail Blazers.
