Shaquille O'Neal Issued a Challenge to Dwight Howard Before the Lakers Retired His Jersey Number Last Night

Will he accept it?

Jayne Kamin Oncea/USA Today Sports

Last night, the Los Angeles Lakersretired Shaquille O'Neal's No. 34 jersey. But, the only numbers he wanted to talk about were 28 and 10—as in, 28 points and 10 rebounds, the numbers that Shaq wants to see Dwight Howard average moving forward. Shaq was asked about the chances of the Lake Show winning another 'chip before Kobe Bryant retires. And, Shaq said it's entirely possible, if Howard starts averaging those numbers.

"I would like to see him average 28 and 10," he said. "That's the number that was thrown in my face, 28 and 10, so that's the number I'm always going to throw in his face. I'm not criticizing the guy; I'm just issuing a challenge. I see a kid with a lot of talent. When I see him averaging 16 or 18 [points], that's not enough for me."

You hear that, Dwight? 28 and 10. Commit 'em to memory.

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[via ESPN Los Angeles]

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