<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">1. The setting: After Game 2 of the 2002 Finals against New Jersey The situation: Shaq is so thoroughly dominant -- rumbling for 40 points, 12 boards and eight assists against the Nets' overmatched front line -- that he even made 12 of 14 free throws, leading to a 23-point rout in the Lakers' eventual sweep. The unexpected success at the line prompts Shaq to uncork a string of barbs at then-Sacramento coach Rick Adelman, who had complained during the Western Conference finals about O'Neal stepping over the line. The Shaq Smack: "That game was dedicated to Rick Adelman. I'm at home, in the bathroom, trying to take a dump, flipping through the channels and he's complaining (on TV) about how I'm stepping over the line. I can't even do a No. 2 in peace. I'm sitting there grunting at 12:30 at night. Can I go one day without somebody saying something negative about me?" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. The setting: Before Game 4 of the 2001 Finals against Philadelphia The situation: Even though L.A. holds a 2-1 series lead, Shaq is openly frustrated with what he deems to be "flopping" from Sixers center Dikembe Mutombo. The Shaq Smack: "Challenge me. Treat me like a game of checkers and play me. That's all I'm asking, just play me. Treat me like Sega and play me." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. The setting: Before Game 5 of the 2004 Finals against Detroit The situation: With the Lakers down, 3-1, to the Pistons and on the brink of an elimination that would ultimately dissolve the Shaq-Kobe Bryant-Phil Jackson triangle, O'Neal is asked if "Kobe's confidence in himself sometimes become a detriment to himself and to the team." The Shaq Smack: "That's sort of a trick question and I don't have a trick answer. Next question, please. You're not going to get me with that question today, buddy ... I'm a veteran at this, buddy. Can't get that with me, buddy. Not today." </div> Rest is here
