Posted by Sabrina B. @gametimegirl

A couple weeks ago Kobe took a shot at Shaq’s work ethic while doing an interview in Italy. Today an interview with Shaq was posted with the NY Times and he responded to what Kobe said.
Check what he had to say after the jump…

Shaquille O’Neal was in Manhattan recently, dunking, grabbing rebounds and even making his free throws. After announcing his retirement in June, was he preparing for a comeback after the lockout ends? No, that was the virtual Shaq, moving as he did in his prime. The real O’Neal was at the controls, christening the new digital download of EA Sports NBA JAM: On Fire Edition. O’Neal, an analyst on TNT, is hopeful there will be real basketball soon.

Q.
Were you surprised that Derek Fisher, your former Lakers teammate, became the union president?

A.
He was always a bright guy. Very, very smart. Very intelligent.
Hopefully he can help both sides get a deal done.

Q.
What do you think about player agents usurping Fisher and chief executive Billy Hunter and planning strategy for players?

A.
It’s a touchy situation. Agents have always wanted to be in control. When the checks don’t come in, the players’ agents don’t get paid. So you have to look at what they’re doing it for. Are they doing it for their own pockets or are they doing it for the betterment of the players?

Q.
What do you think about the 50-50 split in revenue offered by the owners and rejected by the players?

A.
It’s difficult to really know what the numbers are. But Derek and Billy know what they’re doing. Hopefully they can get a deal done right away.

Q.
The pressing question fans want answered about the upcoming season is will Charles Barkley give you any airtime on TNT broadcasts?

A.
I’m going to get all the airtime. I’m going to handle him like I’ve always handled him. I’m going to knock him out if I have to.

Q.
Kobe Bryant reportedly criticized you when he was in Italy recently.
“I like players who workout,” Bryant said, according to a post on Sportando. “I use to do that 6, 7 hours per day. I cannot stand players who practice for 30 minutes. I need to say something to them.” Any response?

A.
No. I don’t need to work out. My numbers speak for itself. My three Finals M.V.P.s speaks for itself.

(Story Continues…)
WRITTEN BY  JOE BRESCIA & FULL STORY HERE