Shaq is not sad Lakers missed play-offs

Miami Heat all-star centre Shaquille O'Neal is not sad his former team, the Los Angeles Lakers, did not make the NBA play-offs.

Unhappy with comments Lakers owner Jerry Buss made about his weight and motivation, O'Neal responded in kind.

"I don't regret him losing money and not making the playoffs," O'Neal was quoted as saying.

The Lakers, who traded O'Neal to the Heat before the season, slumped to a 34-48 record and failed to make the play-offs for the fifth time in the franchise's 58-year existence.

Meeting with reporters during the week, Buss noted O'Neal had lost more than 60 pounds and his trade to Miami had finally motivated the 300-pounder to get in shape.

"I didn't need motivation," O'Neal responded. "I needed a real owner, like Micky Arison."

As the gathering broke up, O'Neal offered one final observation to a reporter from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

"Jerry Buss needs to retire because his comments, like his decisions make no sense," O'Neal said.