Utah Blows Out His Candles

There was a hush in the Laker locker room Wednesday night after the team’s 92-84 loss to the Utah Jazz, business as usual for the losing team. Surrounded by tape recorders and cameras, Shaquille O’Neal spoke in a low voice as he analyzed the defeat.

That was in contrast to the locker room scene before the game when O’Neal was all smiles as he celebrated his 30th birthday.

He came in holding balloons, announced that his father, Phil Harrison, had presented him with a new red Ferrari and reflected on the milestone he had reached.

“I’ve done a lot by 30,” O’Neal said. “I’ve experienced a lot of things. I’m happy to be alive. I’ve got a lot of nice friends.”

Now in his 10th season, O’Neal was asked how long he would go on.

“I’m not allowed to say,” he told reporters, “but I don’t see myself going past 35.”

Is that his final answer?

“Unless they give me 200 [million] for two years,” he said.

O’Neal was holding a dripping wet Reggie Miller action figure. Someone had given it to him.

“I had to put it in water,” O’Neal explained, “to cool it off.”

He then presented it to Kobe Bryant.

“Looks like it’s got scratches on its face,” an amused Bryant said.

O’Neal was informed he wasn’t the only player on the court Wednesday night celebrating a birthday. Utah reserve center Greg Ostertag turned 29.

“He can win a championship after I’m gone,” O’Neal said.

Laker Coach Phil Jackson announced several weeks ago that there would be no more days off until he felt the Lakers “were in focus.” Either they would play or they would practice.

Jackson scrubbed that edict Saturday after the Bryant-Miller clash to avoid inquiring questions by reporters.

After Wednesday night’s poor performance, Jackson canceled Thursday’s practice. Guess he figures Wednesday’s season-high 24 turnovers got his team focused.