Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal, while having a rather tumultuous relationship throughout their careers still had respect for each other. All of it began when Bryant first encountered Shaq. Or more precisely, when Kobe Bryant hit a bunch of airballs. Yes, Shaq shared that his respect for Bryant grew tremendously when he saw how spirited Kobe was about winning the game.
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To make matters worse, the incident came during a playoff game. When Kobe had the ball in his hand and still missed an insane 4 shots in a row. In clutch time, no less.
All of these misses would have buried anyone but according to Shaq, he knew what he saw. In Bryant, he saw a kid who was willing to do anything to win. In his last ever sit down with Kobe Bryant for ESPN, he said, “Everybody talks about those airballs, I wasn’t mad at you”.
Shaq was seeing a young star bursting into life right in front of him, he added, “That’s why I was the first one to come grab you and say, ‘Hey I know everybody is laughing and giggling out, but one day people will fear you”.
A brief insight into the game with Utah Jazz
The game in question took place on May 12, 1997. The Lakers faced off against the Jazz in a crucial game five of the series. With just seconds left on the clock, Bryant attempted two three-pointers and two mid-range jumpers. He missed all the shots.
While the misses ultimately cost the Lakers the game and the series, the moment is often cited as a turning point in Bryant’s career. Kobe was not discouraged and instead, he used that as fuel. He was motivated to work harder. Shaquille O’Neal’s words further galvanized him.
The duo went on to improve their partnership and between 2000-2002, they won 3 championships. And to think, they both came to the Lakers at the same time.
Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal’s relationship
During Shaquille O’Neal’s first year with the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1996-1997 season, Kobe Bryant was a rookie just a rookie.
Initially, the two were not close. However, they had a cordial relationship on the court and worked together to help the Lakers reach the playoffs. They improved their understanding and led the Lakers to 3 championships.
But tensions in the locker room spilled out. Both wanted to be the main guys on the team. And during the early 2000s, the two engaged in public feuds and criticisms of each other.
While their relationship was tumultuous at times, it was also marked by moments of greatness and mutual respect. Both Kobe and Shaq respected each other’s talent and greatness.
with both Shaq and Kobe acknowledging the other’s talent and contributions to the team.
