Lakers guard Kobe Bryant and center Shaquille O'Neal talk strategy as they exit a huddle during a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

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Shaq through the years

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant and center Shaquille O’Neal talk strategy as they exit a huddle during a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. (Kim D. Johnson / Associated Press)

Shaquille O’Neal found little resistance from the Nets’ centers, including Aaron Williams during the 2002 NBA Finals. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Shaquille O’Neal picks on someone not his own size during a youth showcase at the L.A. Convention Center. O’Neal judged the moves of 10 area youths who displayed their basketball skills during the NBA All Star Jam Session for a shot at the Nestle Crunch Hot Shots Camp. (Carlos Chavez / Los Angeles Times)

Shaquille O’Neal gets air as he dishes off a pass during a Lakers fastbreak. (Richard Hartog / Los Angeles Times)

Shaquille O’Neal helps Corey Pannel dunk the ball at his Slam Camp in Thousand Oaks. (Steve Osman / Los Angeles Times)

Kobe and Shaq hug before the game at Staples Center on January 16, 2006. (Lori Shepler / Los Angeles Times)

Phoenix Suns’ newly-acquired center Shaquille O’Neal acknowledges fans after being introduced as the Suns play against the New Orleans Hornets. (Ralph Freso / Associated Press)