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
havent felt the need to rite for a long time...
but wow shaq has become a really sad story. the guy has no pride. really how sad. shaq, plaese retire..you cant jump...you cant shoot....you cant play and you definitley cant rap....did I hear him knock Kareem?....are you kidding me?
truth is that kobe will be a star for years to come and will more than likley win more rings than shaq....he is going to the olympics....he has a great young team...kobe's future is bright and shaq is very old news
Posted by: todd | June 24, 2008 at 06:07 AM
KOBE if your reading this:
"YOUR NOT JORDAN"
"YOUR NOT JORDAN"
"YOUR NOT JORDAN"
"YOUR NOT JORDAN"
"YOUR NOT JORDAN"
"YOUR NOT JORDAN"
"YOUR NOT JORDAN"
"YOUR NOT JORDAN"
"YOUR NOT JORDAN"
"YOUR NOT JORDAN"
"YOUR NOT JORDAN"
"YOUR NOT JORDAN"
take that, you big baby...
Posted by: Spanky Jones | June 24, 2008 at 06:08 AM
OK, maybe it's just me but I don't understand why Kobe has taken such a hit for what he said about Shaq in a PRIVATE interview with police officers. First of all it was true. Second of all, there is no way he could've known that cops, who are supposed to keep what is said in these interviews private, would leak it to the press. If anything he was a bit naive (sp?) but it's obvious that he was speaking out of frustration to people he believed would do their job and keep the conversation private.
The same can be said (to a lesser extent) about what he said in regards to Bynum.
To say that Kobe threw Shaq under the bus is ridiculous - from day one Kobe took the high road in the relationship with Shaq.
Posted by: GerBear | June 24, 2008 at 06:14 AM
I'm sitting here having my morning coffee reading yesterdays posts about shaq rapping and it looks like complex - 5 trolls - 0
LOL Complex.
Posted by: denver dave | June 24, 2008 at 06:17 AM
*__________________________________*
SHAQ'S NUMBER SHOULD NEVER HANG
IN THE STAPLES CENTER BANDWAGON
*_________________________________*
(01) RAH - OWNER - shaq is continuously giving the Lakers more reasons to
NEVER retire #34 ! He doesn't deserve to be on that wall!
(02) FAITH - Shaq is as classless as he is giving. He is pure on a media whore,
there is not other way around it.
(03) RICK FRIEDMAN - 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!
(04) LAKERSRYDEORDIE - My grandmother (GOD rest her SOUL) useta always
say, "Stupid is as Stupid Does" .. That would be Shaq!
(05) KARYANR - Shaq? Who the F is Shaq? I never heard of him...
(06) MCFLY - Shaq is a total jerk. To bring all this crap up again seems pointless.
Why? Why?Why?
(07) LAKER TOM - Excellent take on the Most Dumbest Ever.
(08) CHARLOTTELAKERFAN - Classless!! The bum even had the nerve to mention
Kareem!
(09) BAYWOOD - Thanks AK for speaking our mind
(10) LAKERGURL - Wow! Shaq is such a dumbass. His need for attention is just
beyond pathetic. I will be against having his number retired at Staples. He has
just totally burned the bridges.
(11) PSYCHEDLAKERGIRL - GO AB!!! Stuff one right in Shaq's fat mug! A
(12)P ANG - He has to let it go. The bitterness is eating him alive.
(13) THIRTY2 - In the video i think i saw BUTLER crying in the front row...
(14) BILL - Shaq just showed us all how ignorant and stupid he is and has always been.
(15)JUSTALAKAFAN - Shaq is a Jackass. Even more he is a dumba$$ed jackass. He
should just retire in oblivion as he mentally already there.
(16) JANET LOW CLASS FAT @SSS
(17) FKILLAJH - It's absolutely pathetic how the ESPN crew tries to defend Shaq.
(18) SAMLL - Shaq has become a very bitter old man.
(19) LONGTIMELAKERFAN - Hey Shaq, what do your DECLINING SKILLS taste like?
(20) SOCALGAL - I've been saying Shaq is a jackass for years.
(21) DOUBLEHAUL - Here's to many more years of Shaq, at home, sweating it out on
the world's most unfortunate couch, watching the Lakers make title runs.
(22) FLEXOR - Laker pride and vengence awaits you sir! Not even your rap clips can
beat that!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | June 24, 2008 at 06:20 AM
abc wrote:
"Nice to see soo many Boke supporters here ripping Shaq, including the OP... but:
KOBE CAN'T DO IT WITHOUT SHAQ
and THAT'S THE TRUTH"
No;
I think the reality is not that Kobe cannot specifically do it without “Shaq.” But that Kobe probably cannot do it (that is, win a championship) without the help a dominate center period. As no Laker team throughout their history ever has. From George Mikan to Wilt Chamberlain to Kareem to Shaq.
No matter how great the surrounding talent seemed to be, a Laker championship team was always anchored by a great, or at least a "very good," center at the time.
Hopefully beginning next season Andrew Bynum can largely fill this role where with the help of Gasol up front, he does not necessarily need to be quite as "great" as these previous Laker champion centers.
Posted by: LoveTheLakeShow | June 24, 2008 at 06:56 AM
"that's like Kareem saying he's better than me"
What?
I think we all understand that Shaq & the media love to play up the feud between Kobe & Shaq, but then Shaq has to try and diss the Cap???
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
Are you serious?
There's NO QUESTION that if given the choice of players (assuming prime) that Laker fans would want the Cap over the big cancer.
The two, as players, are not even comparable. Kareem is arguably the greatest center of all time. Shaq isn't even the greatest center of the last 20 yrs (IMHO, I put Hakeem at his height as better)
The two, as men... as people, aren't even the same species. Kareem is one of the classiest, most educated, and caring (even if he doesn't like to sign autographs) men you'll come across... Shaq? He's like dog poop.
Last summer there was the Kobe video... and Bynum became the BEAST.
This summer, there's the Shaq dis of both Kobe & Kareem...
What do you think Socks will do as a result?
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | June 24, 2008 at 07:04 AM
I should probably watch the clip before commenting on it, but after reading the description, my initial response was it made me laugh. If Shaq was on the Championship team and doing this from a position of power, it would be a lot more distasteful. But with him being on the decline, it seems more like self-parody, playing to an audience and just being silly. I certainly wouldn't take it too seriously.
Posted by: Marty | June 24, 2008 at 07:35 AM
FATTY THE RAP STAR!!! I'VE SEEN IT ALL LADIES AND GENTLEMAN THIS
ALMOST MAKES UP FOR THE LOSS
Posted by: MAMBA24 | June 24, 2008 at 07:40 AM
karyanr,
Thanks. Actually, the covert operations began some time ago.
AK,
You write best when you're upset/morally outraged. Nice summation.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 24, 2008 at 07:41 AM
Here's a thought...
Last year, Jaq(ass)ille O'Neal was the 71st most productive player in the league - right behind Luol Deng at 70, right before rookie Al Horford at 72.
How come nobody's asked those guys to rap their opinion about anything, since statistically they are the Fat-Fella's closest peer group. Why would media seek anything from the 71st ranked player, over a month after his team was annihilated and he was a non-factor in the process? I haven't heard anyone interview Joe Barry Carroll in a while, or Brad Dougherty either, and both of those guys are just about as relevent as Shaq has become.
It's time to let the air out of the Big Err-istotle.
Posted by: karyanr | June 24, 2008 at 07:45 AM
Wow. I just watched the video.
Yeah... ummm... wow.... ummm.... Shaq is really into aggressively embarassing himself.
I think the line "that's like Kareem saying he's better than me" was probably the most embarassing. Are you kidding me? Kareem was WAY better than you Shaq. You're big advantage is that you're three hundred pounds, not that you're particularly skilled.
I think the mantra "Kobe! Tell me how my ass tastes!" was also particularly repulsively ridiculous.
Shaq, I just feel bad for you. Dude, you need to get yourself on a treadmill and just shut the frick up.
Also, anyone notice the line about white people?
Yeah, Shaq's got some issues.
I'm glad he's a Sun.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 24, 2008 at 07:50 AM
Tim-4-Show,
I'd love for Bynum and Kareem to take this as a particular challenge. Dude, that would be awesome.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 24, 2008 at 07:52 AM
Kobe NEVER said he thought he was JORDAN..So there!
Kobe is Kobe. MJ is MJ.....TWO Diff PLAYERS!
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | June 24, 2008 at 07:57 AM
*__________________________________*
SHAQ'S NUMBER SHOULD NEVER HANG
IN THE STAPLES CENTER BANDWAGON
*_________________________________*
(01) RAH - OWNER - shaq is continuously giving the Lakers more reasons to
NEVER retire #34 ! He doesn't deserve to be on that wall!
(02) FAITH - Shaq is as classless as he is giving. He is pure on a media whore,
there is not other way around it. Eat some rat poison Shaq
(03) RICK FRIEDMAN - 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!
(04) LAKERSRYDEORDIE - My grandmother (GOD rest her SOUL) useta always
say, "Stupid is as Stupid Does" .. That would be Shaq!
(05) KARYANR - Shaq? Who the F is Shaq? I never heard of him...
(06) MCFLY - Shaq is a total jerk. To bring all this crap up again seems pointless.
Why? Why?Why?
(07) LAKER TOM - Excellent take on the Most Dumbest Ever.
(08) CHARLOTTELAKERFAN - Classless!! The bum even had the nerve to
mention Kareem!
(09) BAYWOOD - Thanks AK for speaking our mind
(10) LAKERGURL - Wow! Shaq is such a dumbass. His need for attention is just
beyond pathetic. I will be against having his number retired at Staples. He has
just totally burned the bridges.
(11) PSYCHEDLAKERGIRL - GO AB!!! Stuff one right in Shaq's fat mug! A
(12)P ANG - He has to let it go. The bitterness is eating him alive.
(13) THIRTY2 - In the video i think i saw BUTLER crying in the front row...
(14) BILL - Shaq just showed us how ignorant and stupid he is and has always been.
(15)JUSTALAKAFAN - Shaq is a Jackass. Even more he is a dumba$$ed jackass.
He should just retire in oblivion as he mentally already there.
(16) JANET LOW CLASS FAT @SSS
(17) FKILLAJH - It's absolutely pathetic how the ESPN crew tries to defend Shaq.
(18) SAMLL - Shaq has become a very bitter old man.
(19) LONGTIMELAKERFAN - Hey Shaq, what do your DECLINING Skills taste like?
(20) SOCALGAL - I've been saying Shaq is a jackass for years.
(21) DOUBLEHAUL - Here's to many more years of Shaq, at home, sweating it
out on the world's most unfortunate couch, watching the Lakers make title runs.
(22) FLEXOR - Laker pride and vengence awaits you sir! Not even your rap
clips can beat that!
(23) BOB - Shaq is a sad sad little man
(24) CBUCK - shaq is completely fake, uncouth and vulgar … too old to be as
foolish as he is that’s all he is… an old fool.
(25) KOBEMANIA - If the lakers ever retire Shaq's jersey I swear I will never
walk into staples again and hate the lakers 4 life
(26) TIM-4-SHOW - Shaq? He's like dog poop.
(27) TODD - but wow shaq has become a really sad story. the guy has no
pride. really how sad. shaq, plaese retire..you cant jump...you cant
shoot....you cant play and you definitley cant rap.
(28) LARRY - The Lakers ought to think twice before putting his name on the wall.
(29) THE FAN - Shaq got no class Shaq got no Rap Shaq got no game Shaq got no
rhyme Shaq got no wife Oh my dear... what a shame
(30) LAKERFANTASTIC - The Shaq Rap... Shaq the big dog don't know what he talk
about He to old got no game Just tryin to live on his fame Dissing KB24, what a bore
Heat let him go Poor Suns don't know Shaq over the hill But still paying his wifes bills
Shaq, you aint funny Just give HER a mil & homeboy, learn to rap cuz you just crap!
(31) GDCHILD - Shaq the idiot, old down the hill attention whore
(32) JANAYA - Shaq only gets along with jelly donuts.
(33) DOUBLEHAUL - Great, Shaq throws some gas on what was hoped by many of
us to be a dead fire.
(34) “PIG’ MILLER - How can a grown man be so childish?
(35) EDWIN GUECO - The end is near and curtain is about to fall.
Posted by: MAMBA24 | June 24, 2008 at 08:02 AM
Good morning Mamba24, morning CRUE & this fabulous Laker Nation!!
Just reading through last night's posts & I have to agree with denver dave - the score is DEFINATELY complexbrotha - 5 trolls - 0.
complex(my)brotha - OUTSTANDING!!!!!! LMAO this morning!!!!!!!!!!
Mamba24 - please add me to the SHAQ TELL ME HOW BEING A HAS BEEN TASTES" BANDWAGON. What a low class - oops pardon me - NO class idiot. Memo to Shaq - let it go man. It's over & done with. You should start worrying about how your kids are going to perceive you when they realize what a moron their father is.
Is it too soon to start chanting "LET'S GO LAKERS"???? I'm antsy over here. I need training camp to start!!!!!!!!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | June 24, 2008 at 08:14 AM
Thank YOU SHAQ for all the great memories and Titles.....A TRUE LAKER FAN never forgets....I apologize since LA is filled with many douches, who about four -six years ago, cheered for you and the team.....lest they forget, they are now learning in the selfish ways of KObe....
Posted by: Spanky Jones | June 24, 2008 at 08:14 AM
You think our guys will be ready for Phoenix this year after this?
Posted by: john_in_houston | June 24, 2008 at 08:18 AM
ShAQ get back
That’s like Kareem saying he’s better than me
Shaq you @ss, you’re number three
First there’s Kareem a Laker thru and thru
He’s got 6 rings how many do you
He got 6 MVP’s just to make it plain
You got one that you can claim.
His point total is 12,000 more
Shaq retire, you’re a freakin bore
In a few years your records, Kobe will lay to waste
Then MOFO tell Kobe how his @ss tastes!!
Posted by: mamba24 | June 24, 2008 at 08:24 AM
Jon K,
"AK, You write best when you're upset/morally outraged. Nice summation."
I appreciate the nice words, but I really wasn't either emotion. I'm more just embarrassed for and sick of Shaq acting so ridiculous. Dude just needs to stop. It's getting old. Like I said, my reaction has nothing to do with either "loyalty to Kobe" or being "pissed as a Laker fan." If Shaq doesn't like Kobe, I honestly have no problem with that, in and of itself. And if he'd dissed D-Wade on stage like that, I'd feel the same way about it. My issue is that the act has grown stale, especially for a guy whose play can no longer back his mouth.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | June 24, 2008 at 08:27 AM
DUDE!...the song is available on iTUNES... how cool is that?
keywords: shaq diss kobe "can't win without me"
check it out...haha ... i pity the laker fans
Posted by: Spanky Jones | June 24, 2008 at 08:30 AM
I'm apalled by how many "fans" in LA are actually Shaq fans and not Lakers fans.
How is that possible?
The guy gets up and disses Kareem, and then these fans say "you forgot all the good times"...
Uh no. Check this board.
When Shaq was traded to Phoenix, I was happy to bury the hatchett... but then he goes and digs it up and chases us all around with it.
he's a clown. Maybe he was trying to be funny, but there's better ways than to dis Patrick Ewing, Kareem, and Kobe...
I've tried to view Shaq as the revered player he will be when his number is retired, BUT Shaq is making that really difficult... he's being such a jackass that it makes me want to FORGET.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | June 24, 2008 at 08:31 AM
I found this at a site called the Sportsman's Daily: Shaquille O’Neal Taking Off Entire Off-Season Too
It's about a year old, but it's hilarious and hits the Diesel where it hurts -- check it out: http://www.sportsmansdaily.com/shaqoffseason.html
Posted by: Charles | June 24, 2008 at 04:25 AM
Dear other Charles. This is Charles that has been here since Late 2006. I would appreciate you adding an initial to differentiate our post's. Fist pound in the meantime...
Charles
Posted by: Charles | June 24, 2008 at 08:32 AM
STOP IT SHAQ
That’s like Kareem saying he’s better than me
Shaq you @ss, you’re number three
First there’s Kareem a Laker thru and thru
He’s got 6 rings how many do you
He got 6 MVP’s just to make it plain
You got one that you can claim.
His point total is 12,000 more
Shaq retire, you’re a freakin bore
In a few years your records, Kobe will lay to waste
Then MOFO tell Kobe how his @ss taste
But wait a minute I’m still not thru
You know d@mn well, Wilt’s better than you
More points, more rebounds and more assists
A once great player, reduced to this.
I’m sorry about your marriage this you should know
But the Bible says you reap what you sow.
So stop this BS and act like a man
Leave the scene with dignity, if you can
And if you can’t then all I have to say
Both your number and your @ss stay the F**& away
Posted by: MAMBA24 | June 24, 2008 at 08:40 AM
If Shaq keeps this up, he's going to lose his ability to be a "lovable" big mouth ex-jock a la Charles Barkley. Big Mouths fall out of favor when they became a) STALE and/or b) UNABLE TO BACK IT UP. Shaq is both.
Barkley was smart enough to be a bit subdued for his last few playing years so "a" never happened, and was forced to retire before "b" became obvious to all.
If Shaq played his cards right, he could have set himself to be a really great ex-jock, on the order of Magic or Roger Staubach. Could you imagine Jordan taking the mic to diss, say, Pippen or Malone "in fun?"
Shaq could have relied on his instant recognizability and goofiness to be endearing. With just a little prudent judgment, he may have done well at business. Honestly, he's now making the whole thing painful for everyone.
Just go away quietly, Shaq. Your stomping all over the good memories you created years ago.
Posted by: The D | June 24, 2008 at 08:41 AM
Shaq, you couldn't do it without Donaghy.
Now put the mic down because your so called freestyles are just on par with your free throws - PATHETIC!
The closest you'll ever come to the label "MC" is found on the many Big Mac wrappers you'll chow down on, fatso!
You need to write yourself a ticket for disturbing the peace.
Posted by: eevee | June 24, 2008 at 08:45 AM
Somebody needs to keep a TROLL BANDWAGON - specifically for that shining moment in June 2009 when the Lakers are in the 4th quarter with 2 minutes left on their way to THE 15TH BANNER. During that time, I, the Chaplain of Lakers Blog, will swiftly EULOGIZE every TROLL, naysayer, playa-hater & zombie who reveled in our downfall over the past 5 years.
Celebrate, haters! And remember..."Vengeance is Mine" sayeth THE LORD...
...or, to say it another way, PAYBACK IS A DOG...A FEMALE ONE!
Posted by: utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER | June 24, 2008 at 08:47 AM
EEVEE:"The closest you'll ever come to the label "MC" is found on the many Big Mac
wrappers you'll chow down on, fatso! You need to write yourself a ticket for disturbing the peace."
D@MMMMMMMMMMMMN!!! Make it plain!! LOL!
Posted by: Mamba24 | June 24, 2008 at 08:51 AM
karyanr,
Nice complimentary post. Are you new to the blog? There are other worthy soldiers in this blog to mention.
The Laker ladies such as eascoastjessie, psychedlakergirl, similakergirl and Faith.
Vman, exhelodrvr, Xodus, Pig - Fatty, Toad, tha show, tsphere, Tim-4 Show, Charles and Mamba24. Basically take a look at that roll call.
Just so you know.
Posted by: Old School Dude | June 24, 2008 at 08:58 AM
look out Steve Nash...you are next in line
Posted by: | June 24, 2008 at 08:58 AM
utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER:"During that time, I, the Chaplain of Lakers Blog, will swiftly
EULOGIZE every TROLL, naysayer, playa-hater & zombie who reveled in our downfall over
the past 5 years. Celebrate, haters! And remember..."Vengeance is Mine" sayeth THE LORD..."
YES! MY GOODNESS YES! PREACH CHAPLAIN!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | June 24, 2008 at 09:03 AM
Thanks for putting me on that bandwagon Mamba.
Shaq is a bum. He goes really well with the Phx crowd. Total lack of class. I loved D'Antoni at the beginning of last year.
"We'll just bust 'em in the playoffs like we do every other year."
HA! So much for that. They should move the Funs to Sun City, so they can hang out with all of the other old people.
Shaq's jersey should not be retired, if on simple principle alone. No matter what he did for those teams. That wall is for true Lakers. Shaq has given away the right to be that.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | June 24, 2008 at 09:09 AM
utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER,
I like the idea of a Troll bandwagon.
Charles? Pig Miller? Who begins the list?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 24, 2008 at 09:14 AM
kARYANR:"Since this is an election year, and the Laker-Nation has been presumptively
recognized by the U.N. (with the Syrian delegation abstaining LOL), I propose that we
elect some officials.
I SECOND THE NOMINATION
Posted by: MAMBA24 | June 24, 2008 at 09:16 AM
Spanky Jones wrote:
“Thank YOU SHAQ for all the great memories and Titles.....A TRUE LAKER FAN never forgets....I apologize since LA is filled with many douches, who about four -six years ago, cheered for you and the team.....lest they forget, they are now learning in the selfish ways of KObe....”
Not true at all;
There is no lack of fan appreciation here for past Laker center greats like Mikan, Chamberlain, or Kareem. Because they didn't even begin to act the way Shaq has in his career with all his acrimonious, adolescent anti-Laker banter.
Why can’t Shaq be a man and a professional by simply moving on with his life? As AK points out, his act is really getting stale. Especially since he no longer has the skills to back-up all his patented childless trash talking now.
Kobe never really caused Shaq to leave. In spite of anything Kobe may have personally thought of him. It was Jerry Buss who simply refused to grant him the 5 year/$30 million per, extension he requested at the time. Offering him 3 years instead. It was his choice, to which he turned it down.
My goodness Shaq… please get over it with your version of what is now ancient history! And at this late stage in your career concern yourself with the present task of working hard at trying to help out the Phoenix Suns in whatever way you can on the court.
Considering your huge salery is going to prevent them from making any significant FA acquisitions for the next two seasons.
Posted by: LoveTheLakeShow | June 24, 2008 at 09:22 AM
Mamba
Mine wasn't rapping. It was a poem that my wife wrote and posted using my name. haha
I thought she got it right. When Shaq does this stuff, he's dissing all of us as well.
Now yours was some rap with a little of your soul thrown in. Now were talking rapping.
I liked it.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | June 24, 2008 at 09:22 AM
What up y'all!
RE: Shaq-Poo: I don't think that any man who starred in Kazaam is in any position to mock another human being.
Is there anything else worth talking about?
-bozz-
Posted by: bozz | June 24, 2008 at 09:25 AM
Bozz:"RE: Shaq-Poo: I don't think that any man who starred in Kazaam is in any position to mock
another human being. Is there anything else worth talking about?
ROFLMAO!!!!!!!!!
THANK YOU FATTY! But you da Man!
Posted by: Mamba24 | June 24, 2008 at 09:33 AM
Good Morning Mamba24, Good Marning Charles, Jon K and ALL of Laker Nation!!!!!
The big ego strikes again (and again and again and again)............everybody in Phoenix better watch out, 'cause you are indeed next for the BBB.........BIG BRIDGE BURNER.
Shaq's days are over, and to see him show himself in this ptiful way is really, really sad.
Sorry Shaqtus, you're done!
And, by the way, no way in H E double hockey sticks this infantile excuse for a grown man should have the honor of his number up there alongside the likes of Wilt, the Logo, Cap, Magic, Big Game James or be associated in any way with the class that is the Lakers organization. Retire #34? Give me a break! You've embarassed the uni, the number, the team and the league.
I hope Stern lightens your wallet by a bunch.......it'll make it all the more comfoprtable when you're parked on the couch doing your preparation for next season.
The NBA.........where Shaq's lame fat a$$ happens!
Posted by: toad | June 24, 2008 at 09:40 AM
Basketball Dudes;
Kobe has ALWAYS been the jackass. He is a wonderful player, but is a jackass. It's a great word with which to describe him. Check out Carlin's take on Kobe.
Posted by: Paulie | June 24, 2008 at 09:43 AM
SHACK rules! Just wait til the SUNS make the Boston Game 6 destruction look like a merciful treatment of the lakers!
You have to agree with SHACK - kobee can't quite get it done as the #1 option on his team.
Posted by: BUTLER | June 24, 2008 at 10:55 AM
LoveTheLakeShow and all you laker fans:
Quit trying to predict the future! Come back and talk when Kobe actually wins the title w/ Bynum or someone else, but until then.....
The TRUTH is:
KOBE CAN'T DO IT WITHOUT SHAQ, period.
As for Shaq ripping past teammates, who cares!?!? Kobe tops that by ripping current teammates. Where were you when the lakers failed to make the playoffs, where were you when Kobe got charged? All you Kobe bandwagon hoppers are just what the NBA wants by marketing individual superstars who can't understand the concept of team. The Lakers overachieved this year because the NBA wanted them to. They would have beaten Boston had Donaghy not accused the NBA of fixing games.
Posted by: abc | June 24, 2008 at 11:07 AM
AK,
Well, this particular thread reminded me of the thread you put together when David Stern overlooked Kevin Garnett throwing a ref aside in the playoffs.
Call it moral outrage/indignation/annoyance/or pure pissiness, whatever it is, your writing develops an appreciable edge when you're in that state.
It makes a reader want to shout, "That's it! Say the truth, brother!"
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 24, 2008 at 11:11 AM
Why do people continue to talk about #34??? What is the point?
Why do people continue to compare #23 and #8???
Well, If I was playin ball on the pro stage. I can see no one better than pattern myself after. He has all the accolades that come with being the best. Therefor I see nothing else. People have an outright hate for Kobe. I ask you do you know this man personally? Has he ever wronged you? If not... move on. Shaq or Jordan do not need your defense. If I were either one of them... I'd be sitting back laughing at all of this. These topics are pointless. What we should concern ourselves with is how the game is changing. Less team play, low scoring. No real talent in the game.
I am a Kobe fan. I do not judge him for his actions off the court. I do not know the man. But on the court... there is no one greater. Work ethic, ability to control/finish. Granted they fell short of the title. But the Celts played outta their minds in that 4th quarter!!!
Not to take anything away from what they accomplished. Because you still have to play the game... you must look at the seasons officiating. And yes I am talking in favor of Boston. Especially in the finals.
This used to be a great game. Now it's been tainted. I do not see it the same as before. I'd rather watch a pick up game and watch guys almost fight because of certain calls made. At least it cleans up the B.S.
In closing I am proud of Boston and the accomplishments on the season. We may not see a run like that for some time. Looking forward to 08/09 season to see if they were for real.
Posted by: Mo Morning | June 24, 2008 at 11:20 AM
tsphere, I read somewhere that Shaq, with the helping hands of two latimes reporters Steve Hensen and Tim Brown, purposedly made the Kobe "ratting out" Shaq stuff public. Shaq's purpose is to make Kobe look bad and gain some pity on himself. By the way, what Kobe did is in no way a "snitching."
Posted by: gdchild | June 24, 2008 at 11:35 AM
Hey everyone,
Stop picking on poor Let's go C's. He knows as we do that the Celtics at this rate will win their next championship in 2020. Let him enjoy this win and he will vent less when he gets off of restriction.
MJT
Posted by: MJT | June 24, 2008 at 12:02 PM
abc,
"As for Shaq ripping past teammates, who cares!?!? Kobe tops that by ripping current teammates."
Shaq did that to current teammates far more than Kobe ever has.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | June 24, 2008 at 12:15 PM
Bottom line is Shaq never wanted to leave LA. He didn't get along with Kobe, told Dr. Buss to pay him his $#%^# money and as a result wound up getting traded to Miami. To his credit he did win a ring in Miami and when he was on top of his game he was nearly, if not, unstoppable. BUT, now he's growing long in the tooth and he's turning into a circus sideshow. His freestyle rap was out of line and horrible. In two years he's gone from winning a world championship in Miami, having his own prime time network TV show (helping overweight kids) to one and done in the playoffs and disgracing himself. Now I'm waiting for him to quit the NBA tell everyone David Stern would be nothing without him and start some sort of traveling gypsy basketball Extravaganza, where he plays four minutes before running out of gas and begins to crudely freestyle rap at center court (Note: all freestyles lyrics to defame Kobe Bryant). Mark Madsen would be part of the travelling show as choregrapher and Steven A. Smith would be the courtside MC.
And lastly, Shaq is absolutley right when he says that Kobe hasn't won a title without him, BUT Kazzam - Blue Chip - Steel - Diesel wouldn't have won a title without Kobe or D-Wade.
Posted by: LAKERS VOR | June 24, 2008 at 12:26 PM
All right some one then taken Lets Go C's. Now I'm warning You. I was saving that for my lunch
tomorrow.
Posted by: | June 24, 2008 at 12:40 PM
AK,
“However, if a friend of mine under questioning brought my personal life into it with the tone being "Why should I be the one sweating this when AK does blah, blah, blah," I'd have a hard time forgiving that. Knowing he threw my business into the mix and gave no regard whatsoever as to whether it could become public or the effect it could have on my life. I take loyalty very seriously, which would make this difficult to reconcile.”
Interesting comments, Andy. I don’t disagree with you on the loyalty issue but does it make any difference whether you had anything to hide or not? Or is everybody assuming that Shaq actually paid off women to not press charges for rape or harassment or make sexual indiscretions public?
I always find it interesting how nobody ever calls Shaq for his multiple infidelities but always weigh in against Kobe for his only known indiscretion. Very unfair in my mind.
As far as I am concerned, Shaq can go to hell and never come back. I wouldn’t root for his number to be retired – just his sorry ass memory.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | June 24, 2008 at 12:45 PM