Here’s what #24 had to say about getting involved in a “war of words” with former teammate Shaquille O’Neal:

“The biggest mistake I made was responding to what he was saying about me. Once I responded, now that made it seem like I was part of that whole thing. It’s like, Okay, these two are against each other. As opposed to just staying quiet, which is what I’ve been doing the last few years. Let him say what he needs to say.”

Check out the.LIFE Files’ exclusive sit down with Kobe Bryant HERE.

Images: Terry Richardson/GQ

Tagged as: Basketball, GQ Magazine, Kobe Bryant, NBA, Rivalry, Shaquille O'Neal, Spread, Terry Richardson