State of Game Upsets O’Neal

The game, even at 16-1, often disappoints Shaquille O’Neal.

The NBA’s new defensive rules are a part of it, for sure. But there is more to his growing frustration. He believes the league has dulled the individualism in the sport, from the irrelevant, such as the length of a player’s shorts, to the essential, as in his game.

O’Neal has two sons, and claims he allows them to watch only certain games, and particular players.

On the list: Tracy McGrady, Allen Iverson, Kevin Garnett, Chris Webber, Tim Duncan, Kobe Bryant and, of course, himself.

“The other players,” O’Neal said, “I don’t let them watch them.”

Asked about the example set by Iverson, O’Neal said, “But Iverson is aggressive. Iverson has heart. He doesn’t back down.”

Early in the season, it wears on O’Neal when other players and coaches complain about him, about whom he fouls on the offensive end, and if he travels, and all those things that make him the league’s only unique player.

“If I’m competing against somebody, I want to beat you. I want to make you tired and make you quit,” O’Neal said. “I’m not going to whine and cry. That’s the definition of a true athlete. If I have to whine and cry to get calls and win games, then I don’t want to play anymore. I will quit. I’ll go on TV, and I’ll call a two-second press conference, and I’ll quit. I can’t do it no more.

“All that crying and whining and ‘Shaq’s getting away with murder,’ just play. Beat me.”

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O’Neal is wearing kneepads for the first time since college. He wore yellow pads in a game at Seattle, and has worn black ones at home.

“I’m going to start diving on loose balls,” he said.

When?

“As soon as I get the opportunity,” he said. “It’s about that time again.”

The date: Dec. 5.

O’Neal grinned.

“I’ve gotta work up to it,” he said.

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Webber, who has yet to play a game because of a high ankle sprain, practiced with the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday and is expected to practice again today. King Coach Rick Adelman said he did not know if Webber would play Friday against the Lakers. Webber, apparently, believes he is ready.

Guard Doug Christie, critical to the Kings’ defense against Bryant, has seven stitches in his right (shooting) hand and is not expected to play. Christie averaged 18.5 points in four games against the Lakers last season.