Shaquille O'Neal, in the process of hiring a personal trainer, has more work ahead of him than many imagined.

This summer, O'Neal will attempt to harden a body that has swelled to at least 355 pounds with body fat of well more than the 14% he often has claimed. According to measurements taken last week, O'Neal's body fat is closer to 18% or 20%.

Asked nearly a week ago about his summer plans, O'Neal bristled at the notion he had become overweight and that it had been a factor in the Lakers' early playoff exit. Indeed, he said, it was Coach Phil Jackson's responsibility to rework the offense through him and management's responsibility to rework a roster that has aged and thinned around him since the Lakers won their third consecutive title.