Watch Shaquille O’Neal’s prepared video on jersey retirement
The Lakers retired Shaquille O’Neal’s jersey Tuesday night as L.A. hosted the Dallas Mavericks.
Knowing he wouldn’t have the time or ability to thank everyone properly in the ceremony, O’Neal released a video on YouTube -- seemingly on the set of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!†where he appeared Monday night.
His message to Kobe Bryant stands out.
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“Kobe, we had a million great times and a thousand bad times,†he said. “But as a doctor, I know that a million outweighs a thousand. The positive always outweighs the negative. But I understand that many people always focus on the negative -- to them I say, ‘Being the best 1-2 punch ever created and winning three rings in a row is what you call a bad time? I don’t want any good times.’â€
“You were my teammate and my brother and I’m proud to call you both,†finished O’Neal.
O’Neal thanked Dr. Jerry Buss (and the Buss family) for pushing to get his jersey retired as quickly as they did.
He went on to thank his parents, children, Jerry West, Phil Jackson and the Lakers fans.
O’Neal also singled out a number of celebrity fans and courtside ticket holders including Jack Nicholson, Denzel Washington and Penny Marshall.
“Big shout out to my teammates, without you guys I’m not here,†he said. “Thanks for believing in me as a leader and as a friend. Mostly I appreciate you all putting up with my terrible free throws.â€
O’Neal also praised Derek Fisher and Robert Horry for their big-time shots against the San Antonio Spurs and Sacramento Kings.
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Email Eric Pincus at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.
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