Ready to rumble. Distance makes the heart grow fonder

Ready to rumble. Distance makes the heart grow fonder. Right? Right? Uh, no. This isn't some movie starring Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks. When it comes to ex-teammates Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal, the only warm feelings involved are the hot-blooded disdain each has for the other.

Their bitter feud has escalated since Shaq's offseason trade to Miami. Now Shaq is motivated, Kobe is defensive, and the gloves are ready to come off. In our NBA season preview, we'll take a look at their fractured relationship and how their new roles with their respective teams will be the focal point of the 2004-05 season.

Of course, there are 28 other teams in the league, and Kobe and Shaq don't have the market cornered when it comes to grudge matches. The Pistons are eager to prove their NBA title was no fluke. Tracy McGrady wants to show everyone he is more than just a scorer--he can be a winner, too. We'll catch you up on which players have something to prove, which teams can't stand each other and all of the other bad blood circulating through the veins of the league.

And which heavyweight team will deliver the ultimate knockout punch next June? Here's a hint: It won't be a first-time winner.

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