Truth & Rumors > NBA

Shaq: Phil started Kobe feud

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Shaquille O'Neal said he hasn't ruled out a return to the Lakers as a free agent in 2010. He also claimed he never had a problem with Kobe Bryant while they played together with the Lakers. He said he believes they could have won more titles together if he hadn't been traded to the Miami Heat in 2004. "I swear to God we never had a problem," O'Neal, now with the Phoenix Suns, said during an interview posted Friday on the Web site of the Sacramento Bee. "On the court, we never had a problem." Instead, O'Neal blamed their creative tension on Lakers coach Phil Jackson. "I think it was all designed by Phil," he said. "Because, if you think about it, Phil never called us into the office and said, `Both of you, shut the (heck) up.' Never did that in four years. He knew that when I read something, I was going to get upset. And he knew Kobe was going to always come out and play hard. "So I think it was all done by design."

Los Angeles Daily News

Shaquille O'Neal, AP Shaquille O'Neal, AP
November 15, 2008  08:37 AM ET

This guy is becom'n more of a loser every year!! He sure is "Drama King"!! He only wants to come back to the Lakers now because they are potential champions!! He left to Miami because of the relationship between him and Kobe!! This guy is like a kid, he needs an adult (Phil) to tell him to "Shut the **** up!!" LOOSER!! I think that's his problem, he jus' dose'nt know when to be QUIET!!

November 15, 2008  08:38 AM ET

Shaq misses LA so bad. He is doing everything to get himself back there. But I'm not sure if LA feels the same way about Eddy Curry's role model - they both come into camp out of shape.

November 15, 2008  08:46 AM ET

I agree super kay (for the most part)
- he has earned the right to say what he wants.....

But he doesn't HAVE TO open his large mouth-
just concentrate on getting/staying in shape and
your current team.

November 15, 2008  09:13 AM ET

Shaq is acting like a "diva"!
First you freestyle on kobe, then u apologize and now you bring up old dirt you must be bored huh Shaq.
First Dwight Howard is the best center in the leauge now the lakers have a championship contention team without you and you want in, well your out bub!

November 15, 2008  09:57 AM ET

Did someone call a guy with 4 Championships a "looser"?
Shaq's just **** with the media.

November 15, 2008  09:58 AM ET

Will there be any teams (let alone the Lakers) willing to sign him in 2010? I think it says alot about Shaq's character that he is willing to comment on a free agency that is still 2 years away.

November 15, 2008  10:25 AM ET

Shaq has earned the right to say what he wants but there are times that I wished he would just shut up and let things be. Why do we need to know that Phil and his mind games struck again?

November 15, 2008  12:26 PM ET

Shaq's a clown...hes just trying to make himself look like the good one when clearly hes the moron who started this...hes just jealous that Kobe is still elite & that kobe has a chance to win a championship & he doesnt...

November 15, 2008  12:29 PM ET

i am starting to think shaq is in love with kobe

November 15, 2008  12:44 PM ET

To get back on the Lakers, he just might have to taste Kobe's @$$.

November 15, 2008  12:49 PM ET
QUOTE(#6):

Will there be any teams (let alone the Lakers) willing to sign him in 2010? I think it says alot about Shaq's character that he is willing to comment on a free agency that is still 2 years away.

ABSOLUTELY
- for the right price (vet minimum)

he ain't getting 20 mil....
but he can certainly be stuck in the paint and
eat up spape on a team that needs a center

November 15, 2008  01:18 PM ET
QUOTE(#7):

Shaq has earned the right to say what he wants but there are times that I wished he would just shut up and let things be. Why do we need to know that Phil and his mind games struck again?

I agree 100%. Why dig up a 4 year old beef? How does it effect anybody today?

November 15, 2008  01:27 PM ET

Will Shaq ever take responsibility for anything?

November 15, 2008  02:13 PM ET

Ok... We just locked up Bynum for another 4 years... We will re-sign Kobe after this year... We are built to win for the next 3 to 4 years.... If not longer... Why in the hell does this guy think we will have any interest in him???... He is already a shell of his former self... And adding 2 years to that... Won't help... Thanks for the memories... And the Rings

November 15, 2008  02:13 PM ET

I remember when Shaq was relevant...

November 15, 2008  02:53 PM ET

It's Phil Jackson's fault that Shaq can't conduct himself like a professional? It's Phil Jackson's fault that Shaq can't put aside petit arguments for the sake of the team? It's Phil Jackson's fault that in Shaq's entire career, he never did what was required to improve in the off-season? Well then, it must be Phil's fault that Shaq can't shoot free throws or shut his mouth either.

November 15, 2008  03:45 PM ET

Who can believe a thing coming out of his mouth anyway? He talks a load of tripe continually.

November 15, 2008  04:07 PM ET

Shaq needs to quit "mis-remembering stuff," he had played out his welcome in LA. To the Lakers it was pretty clear either Kobe or Shaq & they went w/youth. Shaq you are a "has been!!" And for you to say that you don't have a problem w/Kobe that's a bunch of "crap." Don't you remember that you got pissed @ Kobe for bringing up your name in his rape/sexual abuse case b/c he was trying to say that all athletes pay women for sex or have relationships on the side (that was bush-league though!! Granted that was after you were in Miami, but don't you remember. You couldn't stand the Lakers being called Kobe's team. Now, you have won 1 championship or we can just say D Wade got that one for ya since. The Lakers have moved on w/youth & replaced you Shaq & that's w/Andrew Bynum. Shaq you are "merely a pimple on Barry Bonds' back" to the Lakers @ this stage of your career!! Sorry, Shaq "no pimple intended!!"

November 15, 2008  05:51 PM ET

Kobe > Shaq

 
November 15, 2008  06:00 PM ET

If Shaq would backpedal this fast on the court, Phoenix would have awsome transition defense.

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