But neither man sounded particularly enthusiastic about clearing the air this weekend. They would not even commit to shaking hands.
When Bryant's recent apology was mentioned, O'Neal said: "I don't watch TV. TV corrupts the mind." And when asked if he wanted to speak with Bryant, O'Neal said flatly, "No."
A handshake sounded possible, however.
"I've always been a classy guy, so I'm going to do things the right and classy way," O'Neal said.
His tone was much different two months ago, when O'Neal called Bryant "a clown" and "a joke." At the time, O'Neal also predicted the Dec. 25 reunion would be "the highest-rated game ever."
On that, the rivals agree.
"I can't believe they're actually spending money marketing this game," Bryant said. "I think this has had eight years of marketing."
While Bryant is working hard to mend his image, O'Neal remains a popular figure here.
He spent Friday, as he has every Christmas Eve for several years, passing out presents to underprivileged children in Los Angeles. Fans greeted him warmly, he said.
"They love me," O'Neal said. "They miss me and I miss them."
RSS