There is something about the bond between brothers. Kobe Bryant was awfully close to Shareef O’Neal, Shaq’s son, and left a visible imprint.
Advertisement
The bond between players can deepen, fracture, or break depending on how their lives evolve throughout their careers. In the case of Kobe and Shaq, all of that happened, and more.
Throughout their careers, the two were tied at the hip. Their first threepeat signaled the arrival of two players who were about to be NBA greats.
Despite such a monumental success, their relationship fractured. It was irreparable to the point where both players didn’t speak to each other till they retired.
However, when it came to their children, they were there for each other. Shareef O’Neal recounts the story of how Kobe Bryant used to call and text him every day during his heart surgery to check up on him.
Shareef O’Neal recalls the kind-hearted nature of Kobe Bryant as he continues to build a path toward the NBA.
Shareef talked about how Kobe checked up on him. Every day. That says more about him than anything else. Despite their fractured relationship in the league, Kobe didn’t hesitate and in fact, took the first step in helping out his friend’s son.
Young Shareef felt indebted and in a way, his journey has come full circle. This summer league, he was part of the Lakers roster. The same team his father and Kobe played for.
O’Neal’s love for Kobe knows no bounds. He regularly writes messages on his shoes, which are, you guessed it, Kobes.
He even got a tattoo in their remembrance.
We hope that young Shareef makes it far and perhaps even plays for the purple and gold this season. Watch this space for more news on Shareef O’Neal’s progress in the league.
