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MonarC · 10-29-2003, 12:37 AM

Lakers Meet to Discuss Shaq-Kobe Feud

By CHRIS SHERIDAN
AP Basketball Writer

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Just a few hours before the start of the regular season Tuesday, all was not well in Lakerland.

Coach Phil Jackson fined Kobe Bryant an undisclosed amount for his highly critical comments of teammate Shaquille O'Neal, and the team met for 20 minutes to discuss a rift between two superstars that has escalated into a full-blown feud.

"There were no signs or indications that it would snowball the way it has in a matter of 36 hours, so we'll see what happens from here," teammate Derek Fisher said.

Bryant was not in uniform for the opener against the Dallas Mavericks after he said he didn't think his surgically repaired knee was strong enough to withstand the rigors of a 48-minute game. The Lakers had expected him to play until hearing otherwise Monday on ESPN.

The other thing hurting Bryant was his feelings, and it appears there's no easy way for the Lakers to soothe them.

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Bryant castigated O'Neal during a telephone interview with ESPN, calling him "childlike," "unprofessional," "selfish," "fat" and "jealous." He also accused the 7-footer of overstating the severity of his foot injury last season when he reported to training camp overweight.

Bryant's comments came a day after O'Neal said the Lakers were "my team," adding that Bryant needed to be more of a team player - an observation based on two exhibition games.

At practice Monday, Jackson ordered the team not to discuss the dust-up with reporters. He fined Bryant for defying that order by talking to ESPN later that day.

"We felt we had an agreement yesterday and he didn't uphold that," Jackson said. "I think this is something we've asked our players to work out on their own and in private if they have personality conflicts."

The conflict between O'Neal and Bryant has been simmering throughout their seven seasons together, but their public potshots have never been as personal as the most recent ones.

"My thought is to say `Kids, cut it out.' It's a guy thing. You say this, I say that. You say that, I say this and here we go," commissioner David Stern told reporters in San Antonio. "Someone has to stop it, because at bottom it distracts us from our league and the teams."

Adding another layer of tension for the team is the publicity brought by the sexual assault charges against Bryant.

Bryant lashed out publicly after Jackson declined to get in the middle of the fight.

"He said: Do I want to address it, not calm it down, and I went back to him and said it's not significant enough to comment on," Jackson said. "But we did have an exchange, and that's one thing I will verify."

One member of the Lakers said Tuesday morning's meeting lasted about 20 minutes, with O'Neal and Bryant addressing the team but not each other. The only other player to speak was Karl Malone, the player said.

"What we tried to do was not to overkill the situation," Fisher said. "We all know it's there, we're aware of it, it's not necessarily going to go away just today, so we addressed it."

Among the bombshells Bryant dropped in his comments about O'Neal was a plan to opt out of his contract at the end of this season and become a free agent - something Bryant said he first discussed with O'Neal out of respect.

"If leaving the Lakers at the end of the season is what I decide, a major reason for that will be Shaq's childlike selfishness and jealousy," Bryant said.

Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said trading Bryant was not an option being considered.

Players said the rift between O'Neal and Bryant wasn't surprising - they've feuded before. What caught them by surprise was how quickly the feud escalated, coming to a head the day before the season started.

"He (Bryant) definitely seemed extremely frustrated," Fisher said. "It wasn't something that he just came up with yesterday. But you have to respect the fact that he had some things to say in return to Shaq. He feels like Shaq insulted him in whatever manner."

Bryant and O'Neal did not speak with reporters after Tuesday's shootaround, O'Neal wearing an exaggerated grin and making a hasty exit as the media entered the practice gym.

Jackson refused to disclose details of the meeting, including whether Bryant offered an explanation for his comments.

"We haven't had a really good example here of maturity, and that's one of the things we've had to discuss," Jackson said.

EricIdlefan · 10-29-2003, 12:51 AM

Forgive me if I offend any LA Lakers, Shaq, and/or Kobe fans but I have never really liked those two because they are arrogant and pompous pampered jerks who like to grandstand and shout for attention(boy they are getting plenty of it) while other hard-working players do their jobs quietly but effectively without much fanfare.

Janice · 10-29-2003, 01:06 AM

Hey Shaq...Hey Kobe...

SHUT THE UP AND PLAY BALL!

wickthayer · 10-29-2003, 11:34 AM

I think the bickering is entertaining. They still whipped up on Dallas despite it. I hope Kobe gets traded, the Lakers are too strong.

MonarC · 10-29-2003, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by EricIdlefan
Forgive me if I offend any LA Lakers, Shaq, and/or Kobe fans but I have never really liked those two because they are arrogant and pompous pampered jerks who like to grandstand and shout for attention(boy they are getting plenty of it) while other hard-working players do their jobs quietly but effectively without much fanfare.

EricIdlefan · 10-29-2003, 01:15 PM

Shaq & Kobe could go on "Celebrity Boxing" like has been stars were on!! Not that would be a real catfight!! Ha! Ha!

MonarC · 10-29-2003, 01:31 PM

damn shaq would pancake him

Elizabeth Smith · 10-29-2003, 09:01 PM

I don't really want to offend any Lakers fans but I really don't like the team and Kobe is the biggest reason why. He's just so arrogant. I 'm not a fan of Shaq but what I like about him is that he can give other teams and players credit when they do well. Kobe comes off like another team only won or is good because he didn't play well or he didn't do something. Damn, there are other good players in the league and he needs to recognize that. It does seem like Shaq is always saying something slick, but it is his team and Kobe knew that when he went there. As a grown man, I guess Kobe doesn't wanna keep hearing that. Why can Shaq call Kobe selfish, but Kobe can't call him fat and a crybaby? I'm torn, but really, JUST PLAY BALL!

EricIdlefan · 10-30-2003, 07:26 PM

It's hard to find athletes that are not only great on the court and/or field but off it as well because you are a role model whether you think you are or not, especially to the youth of America!!

MonarC · 10-31-2003, 05:39 PM

one person who is a great athelete as well as a great role model is David Robinson. He is a great man.

EricIdlefan · 11-05-2003, 12:35 AM

Though I don't like either of them, my money is on Shaq!! Bring it on!!

Elizabeth Smith · 11-05-2003, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by wickthayer
I think the bickering is entertaining. They still whipped up on Dallas despite it. I hope Kobe gets traded, the Lakers are too strong.

I don't know why, but the Mavs just can't seem to beat the Lakers. Remember when they lost a 30 point lead to the Lakers last season. I think that the Mavs are a better team.

TVFactFan · 11-07-2003, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Elizabeth Smith
I don't know why, but the Mavs just can't seem to beat the Lakers. Remember when they lost a 30 point lead to the Lakers last season. I think that the Mavs are a better team.

The Mavs lost to the Toronto Raptors last night and the Washington Wizards the night before and you say they are a better team than the LAKERS????????????????

Elizabeth Smith · 11-07-2003, 08:57 PM

Wasn't Nash hurt?

TVFactFan · 11-07-2003, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Elizabeth Smith
Wasn't Nash hurt?

If he was hurt the mavericks should have still beat washington

10-29-2003, 12:37 AM	#1
MonarC The truth will set you free Forum Fanatic Join Date: Dec 05, 2002 Location: 3rd Stone From The Sun Posts: 9,525	Shaq VS Kobe Lakers Meet to Discuss Shaq-Kobe Feud By CHRIS SHERIDAN AP Basketball Writer LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Just a few hours before the start of the regular season Tuesday, all was not well in Lakerland. Coach Phil Jackson fined Kobe Bryant an undisclosed amount for his highly critical comments of teammate Shaquille O'Neal, and the team met for 20 minutes to discuss a rift between two superstars that has escalated into a full-blown feud. "There were no signs or indications that it would snowball the way it has in a matter of 36 hours, so we'll see what happens from here," teammate Derek Fisher said. Bryant was not in uniform for the opener against the Dallas Mavericks after he said he didn't think his surgically repaired knee was strong enough to withstand the rigors of a 48-minute game. The Lakers had expected him to play until hearing otherwise Monday on ESPN. The other thing hurting Bryant was his feelings, and it appears there's no easy way for the Lakers to soothe them. Interactives 2003 NBA Draft NBA Finals Photo Gallery Basketball News Report: Griffin Checks Into Hospital Spurs Get Championship Rings Lakers Meet to Discuss Shaq-Kobe Feud Youth Arrives Suddenly for Jazz Odom Leaves Game With Right Ankle Sprain Basketball Games Spurs Get Rings, Then Beat Suns 83-82 76ers Open NBA Season With Win Over Heat Mavs Face Feuding Lakers in NBA Opener Clippers Beat Warriors 97-89 in Overtime Bryant Thanks Fans for Show of Support Bryant castigated O'Neal during a telephone interview with ESPN, calling him "childlike," "unprofessional," "selfish," "fat" and "jealous." He also accused the 7-footer of overstating the severity of his foot injury last season when he reported to training camp overweight. Bryant's comments came a day after O'Neal said the Lakers were "my team," adding that Bryant needed to be more of a team player - an observation based on two exhibition games. At practice Monday, Jackson ordered the team not to discuss the dust-up with reporters. He fined Bryant for defying that order by talking to ESPN later that day. "We felt we had an agreement yesterday and he didn't uphold that," Jackson said. "I think this is something we've asked our players to work out on their own and in private if they have personality conflicts." The conflict between O'Neal and Bryant has been simmering throughout their seven seasons together, but their public potshots have never been as personal as the most recent ones. "My thought is to say `Kids, cut it out.' It's a guy thing. You say this, I say that. You say that, I say this and here we go," commissioner David Stern told reporters in San Antonio. "Someone has to stop it, because at bottom it distracts us from our league and the teams." Adding another layer of tension for the team is the publicity brought by the sexual assault charges against Bryant. Bryant lashed out publicly after Jackson declined to get in the middle of the fight. "He said: Do I want to address it, not calm it down, and I went back to him and said it's not significant enough to comment on," Jackson said. "But we did have an exchange, and that's one thing I will verify." One member of the Lakers said Tuesday morning's meeting lasted about 20 minutes, with O'Neal and Bryant addressing the team but not each other. The only other player to speak was Karl Malone, the player said. "What we tried to do was not to overkill the situation," Fisher said. "We all know it's there, we're aware of it, it's not necessarily going to go away just today, so we addressed it." Among the bombshells Bryant dropped in his comments about O'Neal was a plan to opt out of his contract at the end of this season and become a free agent - something Bryant said he first discussed with O'Neal out of respect. "If leaving the Lakers at the end of the season is what I decide, a major reason for that will be Shaq's childlike selfishness and jealousy," Bryant said. Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said trading Bryant was not an option being considered. Players said the rift between O'Neal and Bryant wasn't surprising - they've feuded before. What caught them by surprise was how quickly the feud escalated, coming to a head the day before the season started. "He (Bryant) definitely seemed extremely frustrated," Fisher said. "It wasn't something that he just came up with yesterday. But you have to respect the fact that he had some things to say in return to Shaq. He feels like Shaq insulted him in whatever manner." Bryant and O'Neal did not speak with reporters after Tuesday's shootaround, O'Neal wearing an exaggerated grin and making a hasty exit as the media entered the practice gym. Jackson refused to disclose details of the meeting, including whether Bryant offered an explanation for his comments. "We haven't had a really good example here of maturity, and that's one of the things we've had to discuss," Jackson said.

10-29-2003, 12:51 AM	#2
EricIdlefan August Back To School Forum Addict Join Date: Oct 12, 2003 Location: East TN Posts: 68,236	Forgive me if I offend any LA Lakers, Shaq, and/or Kobe fans but I have never really liked those two because they are arrogant and pompous pampered jerks who like to grandstand and shout for attention(boy they are getting plenty of it) while other hard-working players do their jobs quietly but effectively without much fanfare.
	__________________ August Back to School!

10-29-2003, 01:06 AM	#3
Janice Retired Admin - Hollywood Swingin' Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 03, 2001 Location: Beantown Posts: 36,388	Pssst...listen up... Hey Shaq...Hey Kobe... SHUT THE UP AND PLAY BALL!

10-29-2003, 11:34 AM	#4
wickthayer Member Forum Regular Join Date: Sep 03, 2003 Posts: 562	I think the bickering is entertaining. They still whipped up on Dallas despite it. I hope Kobe gets traded, the Lakers are too strong.

10-29-2003, 01:15 PM	#6
EricIdlefan August Back To School Forum Addict Join Date: Oct 12, 2003 Location: East TN Posts: 68,236	Shaq & Kobe could go on "Celebrity Boxing" like has been stars were on!! Not that would be a real catfight!! Ha! Ha!

10-29-2003, 01:31 PM	#7
MonarC The truth will set you free Forum Fanatic Join Date: Dec 05, 2002 Location: 3rd Stone From The Sun Posts: 9,525	damn shaq would pancake him

10-29-2003, 09:01 PM	#8
Elizabeth Smith You talking to me??? Frequent Poster Join Date: Oct 23, 2003 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 208	I don't really want to offend any Lakers fans but I really don't like the team and Kobe is the biggest reason why. He's just so arrogant. I 'm not a fan of Shaq but what I like about him is that he can give other teams and players credit when they do well. Kobe comes off like another team only won or is good because he didn't play well or he didn't do something. Damn, there are other good players in the league and he needs to recognize that. It does seem like Shaq is always saying something slick, but it is his team and Kobe knew that when he went there. As a grown man, I guess Kobe doesn't wanna keep hearing that. Why can Shaq call Kobe selfish, but Kobe can't call him fat and a crybaby? I'm torn, but really, JUST PLAY BALL!

10-30-2003, 07:26 PM	#9
EricIdlefan August Back To School Forum Addict Join Date: Oct 12, 2003 Location: East TN Posts: 68,236	It's hard to find athletes that are not only great on the court and/or field but off it as well because you are a role model whether you think you are or not, especially to the youth of America!!

10-31-2003, 05:39 PM	#10
MonarC The truth will set you free Forum Fanatic Join Date: Dec 05, 2002 Location: 3rd Stone From The Sun Posts: 9,525	one person who is a great athelete as well as a great role model is David Robinson. He is a great man.

11-05-2003, 12:35 AM	#11
EricIdlefan August Back To School Forum Addict Join Date: Oct 12, 2003 Location: East TN Posts: 68,236	Though I don't like either of them, my money is on Shaq!! Bring it on!!

11-07-2003, 08:57 PM	#14
Elizabeth Smith You talking to me??? Frequent Poster Join Date: Oct 23, 2003 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 208	Wasn't Nash hurt?