http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_yl...v=ap&type=lgns
Shaq tightlipped on trade talks
By MIKE BRANOM, Associated Press Writer
July 10, 2004
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- Shaquille O'Neal had little to say Saturday about reports that he could be dealt to the Miami Heat.
Greeted by reporters as he was leaving a gym near his Orlando mansion, the Los Angeles Lakers center said he had not met with Heat president Pat Riley and declined to comment on a possible trade.
``I can't say anything about that today,'' said O'Neal, flashing a big smile.
Earlier in the week, it was reported that the Lakers were considering an offer for O'Neal from Miami that would include Lamar Odom, Brian Grant and a first-round draft pick.
When O'Neal declared that he wanted out of Los Angeles just days after the Lakers lost the NBA finals to Detroit, he listed the Miami as one of his preferred destinations.
A Heat spokesman said the team could not comment, because O'Neal was under contract with he Lakers.
Riley and general manager Randy Pfund did not attend the Heat's summer league game in Orlando on Saturday as they had done all week.
In Los Angeles, the formal announcement of Rudy Tomjanovich's hiring as the Lakers' new coach was partially overshadowed by the O'Neal trade talk and Kobe Bryant's free agency.
Tomjanovich said he spoke with O'Neal, but declined to divulge any details. ``I just hope all those things turn out well,'' he said.
Los Angeles general manager Mitch Kupchak said there was nothing new to report on O'Neal.
``I don't know how this is going to play out, I really don't,'' he said. ``When there is something to report, we'll report it.''
Kupchak said that he had not spoken with O'Neal or his representatives, but added: ``Shaquille has a unique way of letting me know information I should know.''
Last year, O'Neal averaged a career-low 21.5 points with 11.5 rebounds and 2.48 blocks.
O'Neal began his NBA career with Orlando, leading the Magic to the NBA Finals in 1995.
He signed with the Lakers as a free agent after the 1995-96 season and won three NBA titles in Los Angeles.
In 12 seasons, he has averaged 27.1 points, 12.1 rebounds and 2.6 blocks.
