Shaq Admires Kobe's Personality

I wouldn't anticipate too much news today before the game-that is, unless you want updates on Kidd dodging awkward questions. But Shaq said something truly bizarre yesterday that deserves attenion.

Michael Lee of Wizards Insider has put together a fascinating piece on Shaq's dominant personality, including some insight from The Big Fashion Plate. Lee being a Post employee, and the media being the media, Lee brings up Arenas as a possible heir. Shaq's answer is either proof that athletes should never talk, proof that they don't listen to themselves, or proof that we fans have things all wrong:

When I asked O'Neal if Arenas was silly enough to take the crown, O'Neal didn't hesitate. "No," O'Neal said. "It either has to Kobe, Dwyane or LeBron. Nobody else."

Kobe, Dwyane or LeBron? Those guys can certainly be in any debate for the league's best player, but league's most vibrant personalities? Um, no. When someone reminded O'Neal that those players don't have it in them to take on that role, he didn't back down. "I think they can develop it," he said. "They have to embrace it. If they don't embrace it, it'll never happen."

For one, that's O'Neal casting some respect in the direction of personal Judas Kobe Bryant, which is kind of a landmark. I know they've squashed their beef and all, but it's still a rarity. And then, you've got him rattling off the league's three best players as its marquee personalities. I guess you have to be an all-time great to earn the right to be funny...and the rest follows from there?