Watch: Shaq jokes that Kobe is coming out of retirement

Shaquille O'Neal made it clear he's not returning to the NBA to join LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers. But Kobe Bryant might, the Big Aristotle told TMZ Sports.

It's hard to take the claim seriously, especially with Bryant turning 40 years old in August. His last three seasons were challenging because of injury troubles and glaring on-court inefficiencies. Plus, there's no evidence O'Neal is a reputable source, aside from comical footage of "Shaqtin' A Fool" legend JaVale McGee.

Regardless, some in Los Angeles aren't coping well with James becoming the face of their beloved franchise, so maybe joining forces with Bryant would help ease him into his new role.