Memo to Shaq: Seriously, stop embarrassing yourself
The TMZ.com clip with Shaq freestyling (if labeling it as such even does the rap genre justice) a diss to Kobe is quickly gaining chatter among our readers, SportsCenter and the talk radio circuit. The language prevents me from linking directly to it, but if you want to find it, I trust you're all Internet savvy enough to figure out the navigation. Honestly, this is the kind of post topic I hate to even waste my time with, but I guess I'm somewhat obligated as a Lakers blogger to offer an opinion. So here it is.
Shaquille O'Neal is a jackass.
Mind you, I'm not saying this to "take Kobe's side". This isn't
even about "taking sides". If Shaq doesn't like Kobe, whatever, I couldn't care less, it's his right. I got more important things to worry about than The Diesel's Christmas card list. But if you're unwilling to let the past go (and honestly, were I Shaq, I don't know if I could forgive Kobe blabbing to the Colorado PD, either), at least be
straight up about it. Don't go telling ESPN that you're "happy for" and "proud of" Kobe's MVP season, then turn and blast him in such nakedly petty fashion. Are we really supposed to believe you're "proud" of a guy who, according to you, "ruined your marriage?" Really? You were swelling with pride three weeks ago, but have since decided to mock Kobe for coming up short in the Finals? Seems like something of a stretch (similar to your explanation that it was all "just in fun"). Perhaps you'd be better off simply stating that Bryant had a great season and leaving it with some degree of actual sincerity.
Here's another idea I'll run by Mr. Fu. Start talking less, period. For a guy on a rapid decline and now mostly relevant for weighing down (literally and figuratively) the Phoenix Suns after a horrendous trade, Shaq sure does seem willing to chat himself up like he's still balling in his prime. Instead of talking about the body part Kobe should be kissing or how you're better than Kareem, try talking with your trainer about how to get in shape and possibly make good on the promise that your time in the desert would equal a title. Or try talking about a topic that doesn't involve your ex-teammates. Seriously, is there anybody in the NBA more willing to throw dudes he used to play with under the bus? First Penny Hardaway. Then Kobe Bryant and Phil Jackson. Most recently, Ricky Davis and that lightning bolt for controversy, Chris Quinn. Because clearly, your productivity, great health and ability to stay out of foul trouble during your last days in Miami merited a better caliber of teammate to chauffeur you along to a fifth title. Glad you took that rookie point guard most folks need to Google to know who the hell I'm referencing down a peg.
I'm still willing to buy O'Neal as a good teammate, as enough people have seemed to enjoy sharing roster space with him. But is there a worse EX-TEAMMATE in the league? If I'm Steve Nash or Amare Stoudemire, I've already marked my calender
for a year and a half from now when Shaq's expiring contract gets moved
to Charlotte and he starts calling them "selfish." It'll be a
plum development for Gerald Wallace, however, who'll spend February-April of
2010 suddenly anointed as "the best small forward I ever played with." Like I said a few years back when Shaq pulled a shameless Staples cameo, Kobe may not be the easiest teammate in the world to play with, but behavior like this is something he just seems above. Kobe's most notorious public teammate trashing (this summer with Andrew Bynum) was inexcusable, but at least he presumably figured his thoughts were being shared with a couple random parking lot dudes in private. Shaq doesn't even seem interested in this kind of crap unless there's an audience on hand.
Honestly, it's somewhere between cringe-inducing and just plain sad to watch Shaq grow so obviously uncomfortable with not being the dominant force he was once was. To see that blatant need to remain in the spotlight, even when his play doesn't merit such props. He's turned into the basketball version of a dude undergoing a mid-life crisis. If he didn't already have a fleet's worth, I'd expect to see Shaq pacing around in a Porsche dealership trying to figure out if a red, black or silver exterior makes him look youngest. To say he's not handling this transition well would be an understatement. And every time he opens his mouth in such stupid fashion, he's only further tarnishing a HOF career in its twilight and risking being remembered as an immature and graceless jerk. It's not the way I'd wrap up a brilliant basketball life, but hey, the world isn't mine, so what do I know?
One last note: That violent force you felt underneath the ground was The Notorious B.I.G. rolling over in his grave after being dragged into this nonsense. At least reference Vanilla Ice or somebody less talented.
AK
Shaq is just a big follower. He's just stating what most of the NBA thinks anyways.
Kobe is clearly the most talented player in the league but he has zero personality. And then he combines that lack of personality with his overbearing way and you have what Shaq is talking about.
Shaq would never say something like that if it wasn't something that borders on a consensus of what most think.
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | June 23, 2008 at 08:09 PM
How about this! Let's give #34 to AB next season and really rub it in Shaq's nose. Let's give Shaq the shaft!
Posted by: Rick Friedman | June 23, 2008 at 07:11 PM
You could give Bynum #68 because he's twice the man Shaq is.
Seriously, Lakers, do NOT retire #34. That lazy jackass cost us more titles than he won for us. Retire Kobe's numbers in separate ceremonies. Give #34 to whoever we draft at the end of the second round on Thursday.
Posted by: Jman449 | June 23, 2008 at 08:10 PM
Ten Million Dollar Zen,
"Is shaq a moron, really? He was free sylin' - maybe a little immature- but that's all, he was just having fun - sticks and stones, that type of thing...how about the Kobe yapping to the police, implying shaq was involved with cover -ups or crimes or marital infidelity - that will always make Kobe the biggest moron - or rat - of the two. No matter what homer fans like AK say...."
You missed my point. This has nothing to do with being a "homer." Like I stated at the beginning, this post was written in no way to "defend" Kobe or take his side. If Shaq hates Kobe, again, I don't really care. That's his right. Kobe was often a pain in the ass to play with and, as I even admitted, if Bryant had to the police about me like that, I don't know if I could forgive him, either.
But if that's the case, stop trying to walk both sides of the street. Stop pretending like you're happy about Kobe's MVP season, then gloat about him not winning. And for that matter, stop ripping every ex-teammate for not being the "caliber" of player you deserve when you haven't carried your weight (no pun intended) for about five seasons. Shaq's just evolving into this increasingly classless guy who can't seem to deal with the fact that he's no longer the MDE. Until his play matches his talk, he should just talk less.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | June 23, 2008 at 08:22 PM
The Big P.U.$.$.WHY!
Everywhere Shaquita goes, her feelings get hurt.
ORLANDO: Shaquita left Orlando, she was upset. someone wasn't retained whom she wanted to keep.
LAKERS: Shaquita cried to be traded when she found out THE LAKERS wanted Kobe more than her. She ran around Los Angeles, pouting like a Biaaaach; screaming trade me, trade me! I sold my house, trade me!!! After being traded, Phil makes a general comment, about Shaquita's conditioning, she gets upset with Phil... She stops speaking to Phil. She was soooo upset with Jerry Buss, Shaquita wanted her money. No matter if her belly was soft, flabby, fat and out of shape, THE Biaaach wanted her money. Buss was too smart, so, the biaaach, AFTER being traded and still upset about being 2nd choice to kobe, makes comments about the owner's personal life.
Shaquita goes to Miami, 3yrs later, Shaquita wants out. She fakes an injury. It works, THE BIAAACH got what she wanted. She goes to Phoenix. But did Shaquita show gratitude after getting what she wanted; NOPE!!! The Biaaach turns around and disses Pat Riley.
Now she wants to say Kobe can't win a championship without her. Understand people, Shaquita needs attention. She's desperate. She had family issues. See, you can't have 2 women in the kitchen, so the wife leaves Shaquita for a REAL MAN. The wife takes Shaquita's money and practically buys another man with Shaquita's money; but yet, Shaquita has the nerve to go to the local kiddy hangout and try to DISS KOBE???? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA...
Like I said in the beginning; Shaquita is a BIG P.U.$.$. AND NOW YOU KNOW Y!
GO LAKERS: TODAY/TMRW/4EVER!!!
Posted by: scorpiomike | June 23, 2008 at 08:22 PM
Hey it could be worst. He could have re-created Kazaam!
Now that would be embarrasing.
lol.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | June 23, 2008 at 08:24 PM
Mike T
You show the same class as Shaq. You are saying that that's what the whole league thinks about Kobe?
May I remind you that he was selected 1st to represent our country? So Coleganlo and the World Olympics think like you and Shaq?
Do you understand that?
Shame on you.
Baywood
Posted by: Baywood | June 23, 2008 at 08:25 PM
LoL@ AK
If nobody else is impressed with 1/2 of the Blog Fathers "Hip Hop Knowledge" I AM !!!! Good job Andy. I agree, Biggie is blowin chunks in his grave for being brought into this
. I USED to defend Shaquille on this blog and everywhere else. I even went as far as saying "I understood his resentment towards Kobe, Kobe broke the Man Code" but to drag Kareem into this? Aw Hell Naw... F-U Shaquille.. You'll NEVER be and mean as much to this town and organization as Kareem did and still DOES. You inarticulate, jealous lying A-Hole.......
Wasnt it Shaquille that stated the reason for his divorce was because HIS WIFE was being shady with his income? I could've swore when the story broke, the implications were she was "stealing/setting aside" some money without Shaq's knowledge or permission? Now he gets on stage, spits the weakest rhyme I've heard in a long time and has that lame crowd chime in to what has to be the gayest hook ever. Kobe, tell me how's my butt taste? and THATS supposed to be funny? How about..
" Shaquille, how does it feel, got bounced in the 1st rd, now you're just a desert clown, lookin like a Milk Dud wannabe cop frown. Timmy D shut You Down"
Yea of course its lame, but asking someone that helped you get 3 rings when you had NONE.. how your butt tastes is even lamer.. Before I submitted this post, I went in the backyard and set my Purple, Gold and White O'Neal jersey's on fire... DONE
The unedited,uncensored version of his rant can be heard on thisis50.com
Posted by: complex brotha | June 23, 2008 at 08:28 PM
AK,
Kobe ripped his own young teammate in a similar "gottcha" video last summer. Shaq's silly, maybe a little bitter of Kobe's relative youth , whatever (and we all know their were nuances, unlucky breaks in that first round SA/Phoenix series - which is about as far as Kobe's gone before this year anyway...)
Kobe has proved himself to be slimey again and again, demanding trades, calling out teammates, breaking up a team - and then getting happy when the goin' gets right.
I'd find your post honest if you wrote a similar - and harsher -one about Kobe's history right beside it.
Posted by: 10milliondollarzen | June 23, 2008 at 08:36 PM
hahahaha
Shaq O'neal calls out The Ultimate Robin (Kobe).
hahahaha
Posted by: Let's go C's! | June 23, 2008 at 08:39 PM
Just when I thought it was safe to ease up on the time spent on the blog, this happens!
Aren't we going to get a summer vacation?
Posted by: Baywood | June 23, 2008 at 08:44 PM
hahahaahahahaahhahaahahahaahaha
Ladies. The Ultimate Robin is being blasted by The Ultimate Cheesburger.
haahhahaahahahah
Posted by: Let's go C's! | June 23, 2008 at 08:45 PM
ahhahaahah
That's funny as hell ladies.
The Ultimate Annoyance (Shaq) calling out The Ultimate Faker (Kobe).
hahaahahah
One life to live in soybean, latte town.
Posted by: Let's go C's! | June 23, 2008 at 08:50 PM
I'm not a Shaq fan. I'll say that right off.
But I still believe when the time comes, we should retire his jersey. I know he wasn't the best teammate, or the consumate professional...but he did bring us (with the help of Kobe) 3 championships. For that he should be immortalized as one of the best in the purple and gold.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | June 23, 2008 at 08:51 PM
People act like Kobe will play forever. He has loads of mileage on his wheels, he will be almost 31 by next years playoffs, the west is getting stronger and stronger. There is a good chance Kobe does not even get to the finals ever again.
Posted by: JonKing | June 23, 2008 at 08:53 PM
Ten Million Dollar Zen,
"Kobe ripped his own young teammate in a similar "gottcha" video last summer. Shaq's silly, maybe a little bitter of Kobe's relative youth , whatever (and we all know their were nuances, unlucky breaks in that first round SA/Phoenix series - which is about as far as Kobe's gone before this year anyway...) Kobe has proved himself to be slimey again and again, demanding trades, calling out teammates, breaking up a team - and then getting happy when the goin' gets right. I'd find your post honest if you wrote a similar - and harsher -one about Kobe's history right beside it."
You either didn't read what I said in its entirety or you're ignoring certain parts. I called out Kobe for the Bynum video in this post (much less numerous times when it happened). My exact words to describe it were "inexcusable." But you can't compare the situations as exactly the same, because Kobe didn't know he was being taped. Shaq was doing this for a crowd to entertain them. Neither is a "good" thing, but they're also not the same thing and it's obvious why.
I also acknowledged that Kobe's not always the easiest guy to play with, criticized him heavily for the radio tour when it happened and have been honest numerous times when I didn't think he played well. If anything, I spend most of my existence on this blog trying to convince people that I don't have a personal problem with him (which I don't), so believe me, not being willing to "call out" Kobe isn't a problem.
But that's actually all irrelevant because, as I'll say again for the second time, this isn't about me "defending" Kobe. Again, I DON'T CARE if Shaq dislikes Kobe. In a lot of ways, my point actually has nothing to do with Kobe. It's about Shaq and the way he's grown increasingly classless (and not just in matters regarding Kobe) as he's aged. Had Shaq dissed D-Wade in rap form on stage, I'd feel the exact same way about it. But if you're gonna continue treating this as a "Kobe vs. Shaq" thing, then honestly, you're wasting both of our time, because I already said, that wasn't my point.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | June 23, 2008 at 08:53 PM
Man o' man, you Fakers are showing your true lippo faces.
Shaq O'neal brought your 3-straight and all you guys do is bag on him. Kobe bags on O'neal, fans bag on Kobe, fans bag on each other.
You LA fans are so shallow.
Pathetic.
Posted by: Let's go C's! | June 23, 2008 at 08:54 PM
10milliondollarzen
"How does Shaq's A$$ taste?" Because you're sure doing a good job kissing it.
Posted by: Xenu | June 23, 2008 at 08:54 PM
some day kobe will have his revenge!
Psychedelic Shaq, that's where it's at
Psychedelic Shaq, that's where it's at
Psychedelic Shaq, that's where it's at
Psychedelic Shaq, that's where it's at
People let me tell you about a place I know
To get in it don't take much dough
Where you can really do your thing, oh yeah
It's got a neon sign outside that says
Come in and take a look at your mind
You'd be surprised what you might find, yeah
Strobe lights flashin' FROM SUN UP TO SUN DOWN
People gather there from all parts of town
Oh yeah, RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER
You know it's just across the track
People I'm talking about the psychedelic Shaq
Psychedelic Shaq, that's where it's at
Psychedelic Shaq, that's where it's at, oh yeah
You can have your fortune told
You can learn the meaning of soul
There ain't no such thing as time
Incense in the air
PEACE signs painted everywhere
I guarantee you this place will blow your mind, THEY GOT
Music so high, you can't get over it
So low you can't get under it
Right around the corner just across the track
People I'm talking about the psychedelic Shaq
Psychedelic Shaq, that's where it's at
Psychedelic Shaq, that's where it's at
Millionaires, kings and queens go there to do their things
You might see anybody there, yeah
Bear skin rugs, tails and MINKS
Don't really matter what you wear
You can take off your shoes, sit on the floor
Join in and be what you wanna be
Don't you know that it's right
Around the corner just across the track
People I'm talking about the psychedelic Shaq, GET DOWN
Psychedelic Shaq, that's where it's at
Psychedelic Shaq, that's where it's at
They got a cat there shouting the blues
Talking about payin some dues
People walking around reciting poetry
Screamin guitars and a thousand colored lights
People I'm telling you this place is really out of sight
You can have your fortune told
You can learn the meaning of soul
I guarantee this place will blow your mind
Don't you know it's right around the corner
Just across the track
People I'm talking about the psychedelic Shaq
Posted by: jack riley | June 23, 2008 at 08:55 PM
Unbelievable! I guess Shaq never got over the fact that the Lakers chose Kobe over him. I truly believe that his separation from the Lakers hurt him more than he led on at that time, which is why he still holds a grudge on Kobe.
I think if anything, Shaq is holding Kobe as the scapegoat. He needs to grow up.
Posted by: PurpleMagic | June 23, 2008 at 08:55 PM
Dont get it twisted.. This isnt about Shaquille dissin Kobe... Kobe's a big boy and regardless of his age when the incident took place, he DID betray Shaquille.. thats a given.. my problem with his "freestyle" was he had NERVE to spit Kareem's name from his Magilla Gorilla Lips.. Ummmmmmmmm Kareem has MORE rings than Shaq, 6 Pro I believe, Kareem is part of the GREATEST college Basketball team in the HISTORY of collegiate sports and actually WON Ttitles in College as well, Kareem actually GRADUATED from College and unlike Shaquille, Kareem has a firm grasp on the english language and can put together a complete sentence and articulate a thought. All in All, I'd take Kareems career and life over Shaqullies 10 out of 10 times..
Posted by: complex brotha | June 23, 2008 at 09:05 PM
LeBron is great, Shaq cannot embarass himself, he is too much of a character. Shaq is like Barkley he can say and do as he pleases. Plus he is funny, LeBron MVP!
Posted by: LeBron is King Obama President! | June 23, 2008 at 09:05 PM
PurpleMagic
Hey, has it ever occured to you that Shaq O'neal doesn't like Kobe becasue Kobe's been a bi*ch for his entire career but this year?
Posted by: Let's go C's! | June 23, 2008 at 09:10 PM
Xenu
According to Shaq, Kobe knows how Shaq's ass "taste"?
haahahahaah
Funny as hell.
Posted by: Let's go C's! | June 23, 2008 at 09:11 PM
Shaq want's to know what his big posterior tastes like?
I don't know and I'm sure Kobe doesn't either, but if I had to
venture a guess, I'd say it smells like sofa. Cuz that's where
Shaq has been planting the BBE (biggest butt ever) to watch
Kobe play in the finals. He should try to get into shape and
get his team out of the first round before he starts shooting
his mouth off about someone who just played in the finals.
Hey Shaq, what do your DECLINING SKILLS taste like?
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | June 23, 2008 at 09:12 PM
Why in the world are Boston fans STILL trolling around here? Whats the problem? Cant find a high schooler that'll let you impregnate her? Geesh... Try this out, see if it helps www.lonelybostondudes.com or www.goblowleprechauns.com
Posted by: complex brotha | June 23, 2008 at 09:16 PM
hahahahaha
You Laker girls are so funny that I like checking things out every so often.
You Laker "fans" remind me of an LA girl that I dated once. You smile at each other, then back stab when given the first opportunity, then smile at each other the next day.
hahahhahahha
Funny, funny stuff.
Shaq O'neal won 3 titles for you ladies (Kobe included), but that wasn't good enough. You ladies had to win in style, so you all chased Shaq O'neal away to Miami where Shaq did win a title.
Now your "MVP" is whinnying about not having an inside presence?
hhahahahaahahahah
You can't make this stuff up.
Pathetic. Just pathetic.
Posted by: Let's go C's! | June 23, 2008 at 09:22 PM
OK, Post Game Press Conference:
Greg Popovich: I thought in the fourth quarter, when Shaq went and boinged 13 girls, and got called for it, he had no excuse for the loss.
Dude get over it.
What Shaq's really pissed off is his wife wanted a bigger diamond than Kobe's wife and he couldn't deliver. Time for these guys to kiss, make-up, and shut-up. Their numbers will hang on the rafters together regardless of this stupidity, and they're both likeable superstars who needed one another to win it all, so GET OVER IT.
Shaq's number shall still be retired were he to deficate on Jerry West's jersey (which at this rate is quite possible), it might just take a little longer. The only thing that really matters is the RESULTS, and him, Kobe, and crew brought us THREE, 3, hard fought championships. JUST SHUT UP UNTIL THEN! These guys really need to bury the hatchet, they don't have to love each other.
Posted by: Laker Justice | June 23, 2008 at 09:32 PM
Hey Laker Justice,
You all should retire #3 for Shaq O'neal.
The numbers of Finals MVPs.
hahahaahhaahahahahhhh
I forgot about that. The Ultimate Robin (Kobe) riding Shaq O'neal's back during those championship years.
Posted by: Let's go C's! | June 23, 2008 at 09:35 PM
LMAO@ You dating a Girl.... thats about as believable as Gary Coleman being Janet Jacksons secret sex slave
Posted by: complex brotha | June 23, 2008 at 09:37 PM
Shaq needs attention.
Butler needs attention
MikeT needs attention
Attention Whores and nothing more.
Posted by: | June 23, 2008 at 09:38 PM
LOL Complex.
Don't make me break out the mom and sister jokes.
ahhaaahhaha
LMAO.
You Lakergirls are funny, funny people. LOL.
haaahahaahahah
Typical Los Angeles crowd.
Fake, fake fake.
Posted by: Let's go C's! | June 23, 2008 at 09:43 PM
Sorry Laker fans, I dont agree with what Shaq said but Kobaby brought this on himself, as he does most things. When you think you can "get off at anytime" then lay an egg on the biggest stage in the NBA you deserve a taste of humble pie. I just wish Sasha had gotten flattened a few more times in the finals- haha the BRICK machine and softer than a pancake. Maybe he can cry some more. Karma is a bitch.
Posted by: Laker Lover | June 23, 2008 at 09:44 PM
laker fans are the most myopic sheep on the planet. Shaq was the key component in clinching three titles (along with an excellent supporting cast such as Fisher and Tim Donaghy) and now you all talk of him as a pariah. Yes, he is, has, and always will be an overgrown immature kid. Funny how no one seemed to mind it when he was wearing purple and yellow. Face it, kobe drove Shaq out the way he tried driving out Bynum before the season started, but I'm sure no one remembers that. And now that Shaq is no longer your center, then you the blinders come off, and you start to scrutinize him. Forget the titles, right? No other fan base has this much selective memory.
Posted by: incognitus | June 23, 2008 at 09:44 PM
“Ode to LA”
By Shaq, ‘The Big Fat Albert’ O’Neil
Hey, Hey, Hey
Kiss my big fat ass, LA
I got outta here
Betta b’lieve I made it clear:
You pick Kobe over me
My big butts, last thing you’ll see.
Hey, Hey, Hey
Kiss my big fat ass, LA
Kobe broke the code of honor
Now my b**ch, she’s a gonner
Took my kids, half my cash
That stinkin’ Mamba bit my ass.
Hey, Hey, Hey
Kiss my big fat ass, LA
Kobe this, Kobe that
I'm sick of hearin' 'bout that brat,
Someday you're all gonna see,
He ain't nothin' without me.
Hey, Hey, Hey
Kiss my big fat ass, LA
Now I’m playin’ for the Suns
Maybe worse before I’m dunz,
Grizzlies, Sonics, T-Wolves, Kings
I don't care, I got my rings.
Hey, Hey, Hey
Kiss my big fat ass, LA.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | June 23, 2008 at 09:46 PM
I agree that what Shaq did was a total jackass move, and I was totally pissed off when I saw it, but I think deep down, he's probably a good guy. You have to remember that he bought the LAPD a new car after one was burned during the riots after their first championship in LA.
I think that his problem is that he's just extremely immature, and he just can't help himself. Like the time he smeared a muffin all over his teeth during a conference. He does funny stuff, but that was one of the reasons why Kobe and Shaq couldn't be good friends when they were on the Lakers. I read an SI article about this about 5-6 years ago, about how Shaq would goof around with his teammates on the plane (and that's why wherever he goes, the other players love him), and Kobe would just sit by himself listening to music. Kobe is better with his teammates now, but not like that now, but it was different when Shaq was on the Lakers.
Anyway, hopefully Kobe will put Shaq in his place when they meet next year.
Posted by: sclakerfan | June 23, 2008 at 09:47 PM
shame on you AK
But is there a worse EX-TEAMMATE in the league?
is there a worse teammate in the league than Kobaby- who publically said the Lakers should ship Bynums ass out, give me new teammates and ripped the owner and GM?
Come on be fair. Kobaby is a fair weather player who didnt even seem upset the lakers lost in the finals, yet his goal at the beginning of the season to the team was "hi Im Kobe I want to win a championship"
The problem I have with most laker fans is if Kobe did what Shaq did ( and lets not forget the rape charge much worse btw) they would be defending the guy for an indefensible act.
Shaq doesnt like Kobe, Kobe doesnt like Shaq we get it
Report fairly on both sides.
Posted by: Laker Lover | June 23, 2008 at 09:50 PM
Wow!!! How soon you all forget. I bet you were all the faker fans standing in the front row of the championship parades chanting "shaq, shaq!!" No one ever talked about his weight until he left. You were lucky to get those rings in the first place because if Shaq was not there all you would hear is "airball" every time Kobe would take a shot...
Posted by: vicky | June 23, 2008 at 09:51 PM
He is pure on a media whore, there is not other way around it.
hmmm what does that make Kobe, who brings his kids to the intreview podium after playoff games? Whats his motivation?
Posted by: Laker Lover | June 23, 2008 at 09:51 PM
BACK TO THE DRAFT AND LAMAR ODUM
WOULD MIAMI BE WILLING TO GIVE UP THE 2ND PICK FOR LAMAR ODUM?
YOU WOULD THINK LAMAR AND HIS EXPIRING CONTRACT WOULD LOOK VERY GOOD TO A HIGH PICK TEAM. YOU GET A MULTI TALENTED PLAYER WHO CANNOT DEMAND ANYTHING CLOSE TO HIS CURRENT SALARY(NEXT YEAR) AND YOU GET A PRETTY DAMN GOOD PLAYER.
THIS WOULD HELP THE LAKERS WITH THEIR PAYROLL ISSUES AND GET A HIGHLY RATED PLAYER AT A SIGNIFICANT PRICE REDUCTION
WHO WOULD BE A GOOD ROLE PLAYER FOR LAKERS
1. OJ MAYO = KOBE INCUMBENT
2. KEVIN LOVE= PERFECT FIT FOR THE TRIANGLE OFFENSE. NOTE: IT HASN'T WORKED WITH THE TALENTED, ATHLETIC, YET MENTALLY CHALLENGED LAMAR. PERHAPS ALL WE NEED IS A SLOW BUT SUPERIOR SMART AND FUNDAMENTALLY STRONG PLAYER WHO CAN HIT THE MIDRANGE SHOT.
3. MICHAEL BEASLEY= A SCORING MACHINE WHO CAN PROBABLY PLAY SMALL FORWARD
4. DERRICK ROSE = PROBABLY NOT AVAILABLE BUT IF ONLY..........
5. JERRYD BAYLESS = A GREAT SHOOTING PG WHO WOULD IMMEDIATELY BE AN UPGRADE TO THE SMALL JORDAN FARMAR. FARMAR WILL ALWAYS HAVE PROBLEMS DEFENDING MOST POINT GUARDS IN THIS LEAGUE.
6. ERIC GORDON= SHOOTING GUARD WHO I BELIEVE WILL BECOME A STUD IN THE NBA
I'M SURPRISED I HAVEN'T HEARD ANY SCENARIOS FROM OTHERS, CONSIDERING HOW CLOSE THE DRAFT IS.
TRADING LAMAR FOR A HIGH DRAFT CHOICE MAKES SENSE IN A LOT OF WAYS
Posted by: Do You See What I See | June 23, 2008 at 09:54 PM
ingontius- laker fans are the most myopic sheep on the planet
laker fans have no class of course and if Kobe did what Shaq did it would be a big joke or because he wanted to win, or some other lame excuse they use for his childish behavior.
I have no problem ripping Shaq for this but remember to do the same when a laker does similar or worse, like the coach dating the owners daughter, hmmm how thats not a sexual discrimantion lawsuit waiting to happen I have no clue
Dont throw rocks in a glass house
Posted by: Laker Lover | June 23, 2008 at 09:56 PM
incognitus:
Right on. This is precisely what I'm taking about. Fakers eating each other alive after going two days without their soybean, non-fat latte.
brahahabrawwerebrawwww
Posted by: Let's go C's! | June 23, 2008 at 09:56 PM
sclakerfan
Maybe Kobe can break into Shaq's house and steal his 3 Finals MVP.
hahahahahahahaha
Posted by: Let's go C's! | June 23, 2008 at 09:57 PM
why do you defend kobe so much. The ude is an arrogant human being. That being said, he could defend himself. But he is just a coward hidding as always behind his fame and money. Trade Kobe away!!!!
Posted by: Matablanco | June 23, 2008 at 09:58 PM
AK But you can't compare the situations as exactly the same, because Kobe didn't know he was being taped. Shaq was doing this for a crowd to entertain them. Neither is a "good" thing, but they're also not the same thing and it's obvious why.
actually one could easily aruge Kobes was worse because since he didnt know he was being taped (naive but ok) he stated his true feelings whereas Shaq was much more likely an be act.
Posted by: Laker Lover | June 23, 2008 at 10:03 PM
OH, NO!
LOOK HOW SHAQ IS TREATING POOR, POOR KOBE!
IS THERE NO GOD?
SOMEBODY DO SOMETHING!
Posted by: Luigi999 | June 23, 2008 at 10:07 PM
AK....You summed it up pretty well.....What does need to been mentioned is that after Miami won the title Shaq said
'Pat Riley is the greatest coach in the NBA and that has ever coached him...When Pill was told about what Shaq had said Phill replied LOVE THE ONE YOUR WITH...Spot on if you ask me..Every team Shaq has played on has been built around him..From Orlando,LA and Miami..I think we should never forget the role Shaq played in the three titles but what should also never be overlooked is the talent that the teams he played for had...Sounds a little ungrateful to me.....
Posted by: Thirty2 | June 23, 2008 at 10:25 PM
Laker Lover,
Again, like I said to another reader, if you insist on making this a "Kobe vs, Shaq" thing, you're both taking a simplistic view and also missing the point. This isn't about those two and those two alone. It's about Shaq and a pattern of behavior. As I mentioned, he does this with ex-teammates from every team he's ever played with and is, in general, going rather ungracefully into the twilight of his career. it's just magnified more with Kobe, because they feuded so much (and Kobe admittedly has baggage).
If you would think beyond simply comparing Kobe to Shaq and look at the point I was making, you'd see that my point wasn't to "Defend" Kobe or place him "above" Shaq. In many ways, what I wrote actually has very little to do with Kobe.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | June 23, 2008 at 10:26 PM
DRAFT DAY TRADE
LAMAR, SASHA, FARMAR
FOR A TOP PICK
Salary Cap relief and you have your choice of some talented players available
Posted by: Do You See What I See | June 23, 2008 at 10:27 PM
Damn AK - you drop fire on this blog!
Posted by: Caliphilosopher | June 23, 2008 at 10:30 PM
"...if Bryant had to the police about me like that, I don't know if I could forgive him, either."
it's not so much the fact that kobe 'told on' shaq...seriously, since when did colorado detectives track down SuperMan-tattooed california basketball players for having extramarital affairs??? yeah, kobe was thinking, 'just how can i tell on shaq and get him in trouble in colorado?!!' i'm sure that's EXACTLY what was going through his head.
the crappy part was that it was leaked. why did the interview get out into the public in the first place?
far worst things are said everyday in confidence. they simply don't get regurgitated ad nauseum on primetime news. the interview shouldn't have been leaked, but it's neither here nor there now. that was five years ago, ya'll.
he said it. he made the wrong choice. now get over it.
Posted by: CBuck | June 23, 2008 at 10:33 PM