Shaquille O'Neal Tells FOX Sports Radio's Tony Bruno: Kobe Bryant Has Evolved as the Greatest Laker Ever

LOS ANGELES, June 17, 2010 - Four-time NBA champion and former Los Angeles Laker Shaquille O'Neal appeared on FOX Sports Radio's Into the Night with Tony Bruno Wednesday and gave his take on his former teammate Kobe Bryant, and, most notably, critics' claims that Bryant is not a closer and that he has not had a "signature" game.

Below are two excerpts of host Tony Bruno's conversation with O'Neal. The first clip deals with critics slamming Kobe Bryant for not being a closer, especially in the post season. To listen to the clip, click here.

Shaquille O'Neal: "First of all, he is definitely a closer. He has evolved as the greatest player in Lakers; history, surpassing Magic Johnson and Jerry West. Especially if he wins this championship, you know, he probably will go down as the greatest Laker ever."

Next, O'Neal talked about the criticism of Bryant that he has not had a signature game and does not have a legacy like Michael Jordan. To listen to the clip, click here.

Shaquille O'Neal: "The guys who are making those comments or comparisons obviously can not play. The kid has 26,000 points, he passed up Jerry West already and is on his way to winning his 5th title. He doesn't need a signature closing move. It's all about winning championships. If he wins this championship, he will go down as the greatest Laker ever."

About Into the Night with Tony Bruno
Into the Night with Tony Bruno features Bruno's entertaining, informative and candid takes on the day in sports, as well as popular culture, lifestyle and more. His trademark, no-holds-barred approach to radio captivates listeners across the country. Nationally syndicated by The FOX Sports Radio Network, Into the Night with Tony Bruno airs Monday through Friday from 10 p.m. - 1 a.m. ET/7 - 10 p.m. PT.

Press Contacts:

Rachel Nelson
818-461-8057

Alexa Konstand
818-461-8289