SHAQ THANKS LAKERS, SAYS HE WILL NOT COACH

In the hours before meeting with the media to discuss his decision to retire after 19 NBA seasons, Shaquille O'Neal thanked the Los Angeles Lakers for planning to retire his No. 34, said he won't pursue a coaching career in the league and likely will have Achilles tendon surgery.

O'Neal, 39, was interviewed Friday on ESPN Radio's "Mike and Mike in the Morning" in the lead-up to his afternoon news conference from his Orlando, Fla., home. He announced his retirement Wednesday




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