Although it is likely impossible, Shaq recently quipped that the Black Mamba is going to play for the Los Angeles Lakers again.
A few weeks ago the Los Angeles Lakers made headlines when LeBron James decided to join the team. Following this major move, Lance Stephenson, Rajon Rondo, JaVale McGee, and Michael Beasley have signed one-year deals with the organization.
Although the Lakers have had a busy offseason, one source recently claimed the team is not done making moves. It is worth noting that this source is well-known for his goofier demeanor.
The figure that thinks L.A. is not finished revamping their roster is none other than Shaquille O’Neal. O’Neal, famous for his Shaqtin’ A Fool clips during the NBA season, acted like a bit of a fool himself this weekend when interviewing with TMZ Sports.
The star of Kazaam leaked a rather interesting rumor Sunday evening while in Los Angeles. According to O’Neal, the Lakers will be bringing back an old teammate of his.
"“Kobe coming back I heard. Kobe coming back! You heard it here first!”"
Granted bringing back Kobe Bryant would make for one crazy duo, Corey Hansford of Lakers Nation remained practical in his take on Shaq’s remark.
"“The likelihood of an actual comeback is slim to none. Bryant is 39 years old and while he is surely still in great shape, getting through an entire NBA season is completely different. Aside from all that, he has been doing great things off the court since his retirement and those things suddenly going on the backburner isn’t likely.”"
Indeed, Bryant was always embodied what it meant to be in shape. He was constantly in the gym in order to perfect his craft.
However, Kobe’s last several years in the league consisted of multiple injuries. Thus, to think the Black Mamba would want to go through the grind one last time seems ludicrous. He gave all he possibly could to the game in his 20 brilliant years—that is undeniable.
Of course, what is key to consider here is that Shaq is known for his shenanigans. In the clip TMZ Sports released, the big fella smiled when referencing Bryant. That is an automatic giveaway that his comments are meant to be seen lightheartedly.
Before his mention of Bryant, though, O’Neal was asked if he would ever return to the league. The latter did not like the idea too much and quickly squashed it.
While the Lakers could use another big man, O’Neal appears to know his limits. A few years older than his former teammate, getting back into game shape would surely be tougher for the 7-foot-1 giant to accomplish.
In the bigger scheme of things, Shaq was certainly kidding around this past weekend. It is unrealistic to think Kobe (or himself for that matter) would consider being on the Lakers again. Frankly, it would not make any sense.
What is satisfying, however, is getting a load of O’Neal’s funnier side. Let alone the obvious in terms of his size, his joking ways are of the biggest staples within him. That will never change and the NBA world will always adore him for that.