Shaquille O’Neal in Los Angeles was a sight to behold. A center bigger and stronger than Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the residents of Tinsel Town were floored by his mere presence. But more than that it was his eclectic personality. From his loud stereo to his silkiness with the rock, everything about Shaq was dazzling. A young Kobe Bryant would attest to that.
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Kobe was just a rookie in Los Angeles, he had just been drafted and the 18-year-old would find himself in the presence of the Lakers’ new big man, Shaquille O’Neal.
Shaq, at the time, was 25 and he was already an established player. The move to LA was unsurprising. But his charisma was surely a surprise. Many at the time were aware of O’Neal’s potential in Hollywood. But few believed he had the right persona.
As Rick Reilly would realize in 1997, there was just something about Shaq. On and off the court.
Shaquille O’Neal floored everyone, on and off the court – Kobe Bryant couldn’t believe it either
“He’s got a crossover dribble, a seven-footer with a crossover dribble!” Kobe said to Sports Illustrated while watching Shaq take to the court and destroy his teammates.
Moreover, he was an imposing presence off the court. That is the part that really cemented O’Neal as one of the game’s newest superstars. He didn’t slouch, he let his frame dictate his presence.
Most of all he wasn’t afraid to be himself. From cracking jokes and pulling legs, to dancing around practice. O’Neal was a goof. But he was never to be taken lightly.
Perhaps, it was this combination of personalities that helped him establish what is easily the greatest one-two punch in the history of the league.
Kobe and Shaq formed the deadliest partnership in NBA history!
Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal formed one of the greatest partnerships in NBA history during their time with the Los Angeles Lakers in the early 2000s.
Despite their different personalities and playing styles, they quickly established a strong chemistry on the court. Kobe’s ability to score from anywhere on the floor complemented Shaq’s dominant presence in the post, and they quickly learned to play off each other’s strengths.
They also developed a mutual understanding of each other’s games, with Shaq recognizing Kobe’s potential as a future superstar and Kobe deferring to Shaq’s leadership and experience. Together, they led the Lakers to three consecutive NBA championships from 2000 to 2002, cementing their place in basketball history.
