Kobe Seems OK, in Shaq’s Book

In “Shaq Talks Back,” Shaquille O’Neal’s soon-to-be-released book that chronicles his first eight years in the NBA, he makes stunning revelations about teammate Kobe Bryant.

That is, he kind of likes the kid.

While there are passages that deride Bryant for what O’Neal viewed as a reckless approach, particularly on offense, O’Neal admitted he was “partly to blame.” He added that he “respected Kobe and his game,” and that Bryant was, “not a bad person.”

Then again, he said, “The truth is, before Phil [Jackson] came along, no one wanted to play with Kobe.”

Of interest, O’Neal claimed owner Jerry Buss made Steinbrenner-like moves from his owner’s box during Del Harris’ tenure as coach.

“Every time Del put [Bryant] on the bench, somebody would run downstairs,” O’Neal contends. “‘Buss said, ‘Put him back in the game now.’ ”

O’Neal let Harris off, but not the next coach.

“Kurt Rambis was even worse. He let Kobe do whatever he wanted to do,” O’Neal wrote. “No questions asked.”

When copies surfaced in the Laker locker room Wednesday night, O’Neal was asked why he had the book written.

“It’s time,” he said. ‘After the championship, after one ring, I was able to say a little bit. Then, after I retire, the real book comes out.”

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Jackson has told Laker management that he has no interest in Rod Strickland when the Washington Wizards release the controversial guard today.

Apparently, one “backward-walking Indian,” Jackson’s borrowed term for a player who doesn’t always meld with the rest of the team, is enough for the Lakers, who already have J.R. Rider.

Still, Strickland’s presence as a free agent was enough for the organization to consider adding the quick guard, particularly in light of the injuries to guards Bryant, Ron Harper and Derek Fisher. The Lakers also considered Felipe Lopez, but ultimately were satisfied enough with the recovery of their ailing guards to pass.

Strickland agreed Wednesday to a deal that would allow him to sign with another team and still be eligible for the playoffs, only possible had he been released by midnight tonight. In the third year of a four-year, $40-million contract, Strickland accepted a $2.5-million buyout, rather than the $5 million stipulated in his contract.

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Humorous print and television ads for Digex Inc. depicting O’Neal in unlikely roles--as a jockey, a rhythmic gymnast and a race car driver--appeared this week.

Digex runs web sites for companies such as United Airlines, Sony and Ford.

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Jackson told USA Today that dating Jeanie Buss, the owner’s daughter and vice president of business operations, was a factor in the Lakers’ championship.

“One of the reasons I felt real comfortable last season, that I was in a comfort zone, that I had the success I did, was because of the relationship I had with Jeanie,” he said. “It was free and easy. There weren’t a lot of obligations and expectations.”

By the way, Phil’s new hairdo? That’s called a “water cut.”

Now you know.