O'Neal said that the past comments made to the press by him and by Bryant were "almost like a game." They could handle it until the 2003–04 season. Just prior to the season, Bryant privately warned Jackson, "If starts saying [unreasonable things in the press, I'll fire back ... I've had it." There had been no public indications of animosity between the two since the 2000–2001 season. With Bryant absent from camp due to his legal situation and his recovery from knee surgery, O'Neal said "the full team is here." Later, after sitting out an exhibition game to rest a sore left heel, O'Neal said, "I want to be right the regular season for ], Karl and Gary." Bryant was again ignored by O'Neal.