Shaq Talks About His Dislike for Kobe on the View

Shaquille O'neal joined the cast of The View this past Monday morning promoting his new book and to also talk a bit about his retired life from basketball. During his jibber-jabber with The View's cast, Shaq answered one particular question with regard to how he spends his days with; "absolutely nothing!". After the laughter settled, Shaq reiterated his statement with sincerity, stating that his days as a retired basketball player were simply spent with cereal for breakfast (around 2pm), then the Maury show and of course The View. He goes into his office and continues to do nothing until it is time for bed again.

Shaq also gave clarity to an upset cast (particularly Liz) of The View about his leaving the Lakers. He responded that he did not leave the Lakers, but instead received a phone call one morning with news that he was suddenly being traded to the Boston Celtics. With his take on the lockout this season, Shaq explained his understanding of the game as being a business, but did point out that a decision should be made soon, as these players and staff members are making millions of dollars while "regular" people are losing their jobs. Shaq's point seemed to be that there are real and more important issues with jobs and money on the regular playing field of life than those of whiny millionaires.

Barbera Walters then brought up the grueling and perhaps still unsettling question of Shaq and Kobe's relationship. She guarded her question with a reference he made in his book to the fact of the matter and asked that he elaborate on the brutal honesty he displays in his book. Shaq obliged by stating that there is no "real" love lost, nor hateful relationship amongst the two. As his job called for, Shaq explained that he was simply trying to be a leader for the team and win championships. This answer left wonders in the minds of listeners that perhaps Kobe's intentions lied beyond such tasks, although Shaq would not specify. Shaq did make it clear that while he would not go out of his way to get in touch with Kobe on any random occasion, that he didn't have any problems saying hi to him nor his "beautiful and lovely" wife in passing. Shaq went on to say that the tension derived amongst the two has more to do with the media for make of a big story.

The group capped off the interview with chuckles and jokes while heading to commercial break, initiated by Shaq, as he is often known to be a jokester.