‘Emotional’ Shaquille O’Neal Fondly Remembers ‘Iconic’ Kobe Bryant Lob Against Trailblazers: “Would Trade This Moment to Have Him with Us”

Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant have shared a multitude of special moments on the court during their memorable stint with the Lakers. However, few have been more iconic than the famous lob by Kobe against the Portland Trail Blazers, followed by a monster slam dunk from Shaq. It’s been 23 years since that special dunk, and the moment still seems fresh in our minds. Shaq and Kobe’s incredible run with the Los Angeles Lakers, which ended in a three-peat, arguably reached its peak at that moment.

Shaquille O’Neal recently remembered the iconic play by sharing its clip on his Instagram story. He then proceeded to talk about it on NBA TV before Game 2 of the NBA Finals between the Denver Nuggets and the Miami Heat.

Shaquille O’Neal remembers the famous Kobe Bryant lob

It’s been more than three years since the tragic demise of Kobe Bryant. The moment sent shockwaves around the basketball world, and few were more impacted than his former Lakers teammate Shaquille O’Neal. So, when a flashback of the Kobe lob that resulted in the Shaq dunk resurfaced, the latter could not control his feelings. Here is what he said:

“Of course it was a happy moment…if I could trade that moment and have him sitting here with us…that would be better for me.”@SHAQ reflects on the iconic lob with Kobe 💜🙏 pic.twitter.com/hi0rmDR57w

— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 4, 2023

An emotional Shaq would give anything to have his younger brother back with him sharing the stage. Their names are often uttered in the same breath, and the big fella misses reliving those memories together. Bryant’s impact on the lives of countless people across the globe cannot be quantified. The Mamba leaves behind a legacy that’ll resonate in the NBA for ages to come.

Shaq and Kobe’s relationship

Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant had a tumultuous relationship during their playing days, which had its highs and lows. It’s not news that one of the reasons Shaq decided to leave the Lakers in 2004 was Kobe Bryant. When two superstars with egos are teamed up for a considerable amount of time, there are bound to be clashes. The very public feud behind Shaq and Kobe garnered a lot of media attention at the time.

However, Shaq claimed in his eulogy during Kobe Bryant’s Memorial Ceremony that his public beef with Kobe was fabricated to bait the media. Behind the scenes, the duo actually shared mutual respect and admiration for each other, as per Shaq.