(AllHipHop News)Snippets of Shaquille O’Neil’s new book recently hit the Internet, and the NBA star revealed some interesting things about his former teammate, Kobe Bryant.
Deadline.com posted excerpts from Shaq’s new autobiography “Shaq Uncut: My Story.”
Portions of the book, which was written along with “Around the Horn” host Jackie MacMullan, detail Shaq’s time on the Los Angeles Lakers, as well as his infamous feud with Kobe Bryant.
Before their relationship became strained, Shaq said that a very young Kobe Bryant predicted that he would dominate the NBA and win multiple championships.
“I’m going to be the number one scorer for the Lakers, I’m going to win five or six championships, and I’m going to be the best player in the game,” Shaq wrote. “I was like, ‘Okay, whatever.’ Then he looked me right in the eye and said, ‘I’m going to be the Will Smith of the NBA.'”
In one portion of the book, Shaq detailed an incident in which he threatened to kill Kobe Bryant, at the height of their feud, during the 2003 – 04 season, when Kobe Bryant was facing rape allegations.
The incident occurred during an argument in the Lakers’ locker room, after both men had promised to stop bashing each other in media interviews.
Shaq said he became extremely upset with Kobe Bryant after he conducted an interview with Jim Gray, in which he claimed the Lakers’ center was milking a toe injury.
“If you ever say anything like what you said to Jim Gray ever again, I will kill you,” said Shaq, who added that he has not spoken to either since the incident.
“Shaq Uncut: My Story” is due in stores nationwide on November 15.