This was the first time Shaq had heard the phrase "Shaq also sucks."
For the first time, the phrase made him understand what extreme blood pressure felt like.
Of course, what Shaq didn't know was that this bit of hurt was far from the limit of what that phrase could inflict.
At best, it was just a warm-up.
O'Neal was furious, what do you mean my one-on-one efficiency isn't high?
I'm being defended by multiple people, how many are defending you?
Shaq was in a terrible mood, extremely terrible. It wasn't just because of Kobe's remark, but also because he was almost mocked by the entire American media.
"After leaving Roger, Shaq is simply a giant baby who can't walk."
"The great leader who led the team to lose by less than 30 points in the first game."
"The center with the most dominance in the history of the Los Angeles fans, couldn't even handle a team with no height on the inside."