When we speak of dynamic duos in the NBA, it’s impossible to ignore the pairing of Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. A perfect match of skills and physicality, the Lakers teammates were the next thing on the block post the ending of the Michael Jordan and Chicago Bulls era.
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The brainchild behind pairing the two legends in 1996 was none other than Lakers veteran and former executive The logo, Jerry West. While Shaq had already established himself as a dominant center and unstoppable force in the league, Kobe was making his debut.
Though it did take the two little time to figure their way out, what followed was an extraordinary display of talent that entertained millions across the globe. The two Hall of Famers played 8-seasons together, making 4-trips to the Finals, which included a 3-peat.
While the two had their ups and downs during their Lakers reign, they shared mutual respect, so much so that Kobe even addressed Shaq as his elder brother.
When Kobe Bryant gave a detailed insight into his relationship with Shaquille O’Neal during their time in LA.
Both Shaq and Kobe were masters in their respective ways, always trying to get the better of each other. Reports of them feuding during practice were no secret, with Phil Jackson playing referee. Nonetheless, the Mamba looked up to the Big Diesel as an elder brother he never had.
In an old interview, when asked about his relationship with Shaq, the Lakers guard said the following.
“He’s my big brother, what can you say, I mean we have grown up here in LA together, we play very well together, we went through a period of time when we struggled to find ourselves but we have and it’s a good rhythm that we have, we enjoy playing together,” said the Black Mamba.
When asked if the two spent time together beyond basketball, Kobe said the two had their separate ways.
“No, we just go our separate ways, I mean, he (Shaq) has a lot of things that he has to take care of in his personal life off the court, but when we get on the court and practice, we definitely hang out and kick it.”
One of the most complex relations between two superstars in the NBA, it would be a treat for all their fans to have a docuseries on them.
The tragic death of Kobe Bryant left an unfillable void in Shaquille O’Neal’s heart.
Kobe’s tragic death in 2020 had his loved ones, peers, and fans in disbelief, one such being his former teammate and close friend Shaq, who was inconsolable during the Mamba’s memorial held at the then-called Staples Center, home to the Lakers basketball.
The Diesel would share some of his most cherished moments with Kobe, one such light moment included recalling their intense practice sessions.
