Kobe Bryant's absence during Shaq's jersey retirement fairly simple. Needs to prepare for the game
"I couldn’t," said Bryant, who taped a video tribute for Shaq. "It was too big of a game. I couldn’t do that. I just couldn’t. I wish I could, but this game was a huge huge game for us. I had to make sure I stayed back here, stretch and get ready for the second half. I wish I could’ve, but it’s impossible. I watched it on TV as mucha s I could."
Would you want Shaq be out there in jersey retirement?
"Not if he’s engaged in a playoff chase," Bryant said with a smile. "I appreciate you guys trying to start some s*** just for old time’s sake. I’ll help you out and say, F** him. I didn’t want to go out there."