Shaq planning to retire after this season?

[Drucci]

I was reading an article about Ray Allen's conditioning when I found this tidbit :

O'Neal, 38, is the only Boston player older than Allen, and he's offering some motivation. Maybe, just maybe, Allen can play as long as O'Neal, who plans to retire at the end of the season, when he will be 39.

Is it a simple guess from the author or has Shaq changed his mind? He repeated many times this summer that he had "730 days" left in the NBA but maybe now he wants to win it this year and retire this summer, regardless of the outcome, à la Sheed?

[Redz]

Yeh, I think the author dropped the ball there.  Everything out of Shaq's mouth has been about playing two years in Boston then calling it quits.

[Fafnir]

I think he'll consider his options. If there is a lock out I think he could be done.

[Chris]

Looks like lazy reporting to me.  Shaq has said several times he expects to play out this contract.

[dpaps]

Yup, Shaq has been very clear that his plan is to play 2 seasons. Of course things could change and an injury could make him rethink this, but as of now, 2 seasons. Terrible reporting. Makes you wonder how closely some "celtics reporters" actually follow the team.

[anthony83]

I would like to stay another year, even if he wins the title with Boston, would be the withdrawal dream.

Right now I do not know if he will retire.

[slamtheking]

barring a lockout or serious injury, I'd be stunned if he retired after this year.  He wants a title this year to equal Kobe (and he'll get it too) and he'll play next year to pass Kobe.  The ego is a very powerful motivator.   That and he's playing pretty well and playing with a bunch of guys he seems to enjoy playing with.