Shaquille O'Neal has indicated that he will not play in the Athens Olympics in 2004.

The Los Angeles Lakers star centre, currently sidelined after toe surgery, said: "I'd just like to give someone else a chance to shine."

O'Neal said only if Lakers boss Phil Jackson was named as US coach would he re-consider.

"If Phil was not picked I probably will not play through the pain."

Jackson was one of four coaches put forward when the US men's senior national team selection committee met on 15 November.

The others were Philadelphia's Larry Brown, Pat Riley of Miami and Jerry Sloan of Utah.

O'Neal said the selection committee should think about grooming some of the sport's younger stars for the next Olympic Games.

He said he might accept a limited role with the team but only if Jackson was involved.

"What I'm saying is I'll be 32 in 2004, and I shouldn't be the first choice.

"If they want me come, keep the guys in line, be a back-up, and give them good quality minutes, I should be able to do that.

"But I think they should groom these other young upcoming guys.

I don't want to be greedy and have four gold medals, I want to give somebody else a chance."