He hated handouts the most.
When he decided to leave, his mind wouldn't waver anymore.
However, WOJ's scoop this time wasn't entirely accurate. Yao Ming had only just mentioned his desire to leave to Dawson, and the contact with the Lakers had simply been hinted at.
While Dawson tried to retain him and showed willingness to offer a max contract for renewal, Yao still wanted to leave, and on the other hand, Dawson prepared a backup plan—listening to other teams' offers.
The Lakers were the first ones to make an offer, willing to give up "Little Shark" Andrew Bynum, the last high school rookie clearly defined in the NBA.
He represented the future.
But apart from the Lakers, other teams' general managers had contacted Dawson, including Pat Riley, who suggested trading Shaquille O'Neal straight for Yao Ming.
However, Dawson flatly rejected this offer:
What the hell are you thinking!
Shaquille O'Neal's market value wasn't that bad; he just couldn't beat the Pacers.
