I don't think most Laker fans really "hate" Shaq, but he really frustrated many of us with some of his "unprofessional" at ude:
1. Shaq reported to training camp fat & out of shape every single year after the 99-00 season.
2. When the Lakers lost a couple of games, Shaq usually pointed the finger at everyone else but himself as the problem for the losses, usually saying "my team isn't giving me enough touches" - got to be like a broken record.
3. Instead of getting a needed toe surgery at the conclusion of the 01-02 season, he waited until mid September to have the surgery, stating "I got hurt on company time, so I’ll heal on company time." - That may be OK for us working stiffs, but for someone making $27 million a year and the rest of the team depending on him - come on.
4. During the 03/04 season, Shaq demanded a salary extension of $30 million per year if he was to stay in LA (ridiculous for a starting to go over the hill, fat, out of shape big man) - of course as soon as he was traded to Miami, he renegotiated his existing contract (with extension) down to $20 million per year.
5. As soon as he left the Lakers he was dissin not just Kobe, but the entire Laker organization for weeks (who had stroked his ego & put up with his immaturity for years to keep him happy) - kind of a slap in the face.
6. For his first 2 years in Miami, he actually showed up to training camp in shape - another slap in the face (of course his last 2 years on Miami he went back to his old routine of fat & out of shape).
There were a lot of good moments with Shaq over the years, and I think he has matured to the point by this year that he doesn't do many of these things any more, but this is the reason many of us in LA get enjoyment of seeing the Suns struggling.
I just wished about 8 years ago someone could have injected some of Tim Duncan's or Karl Malone's "big man" professionalism & work ethic into Shaq - he would probably still be on the Lakers (and respected more by Laker fans).

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I truly believe Phil deserves it after the book he wrote about Kobe.


