Despite sharing a bittersweet relationship, Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant had the highest regard for each other. After the Los Angeles Lakers won their second consecutive title in 2001, Shaq was awarded the Finals MVP trophy that was presented to him by Kobe Bryant. In his speech, the Mamba referred to Shaq as ‘the most powerful human being’ he had ever played with. Kobe also slid a cheeky insult for Dikeme Mutombo in his appreciation for the Diesel.
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Bryant and Shaq were an unbeatable duo with the Lakers. Both considered themselves as the bests in the world. Together, they won a three-peat from 2000-2002 with the Lakers and were a living nightmare for their opponents. They averaged 21.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.4 assists in their 461 games together. Although they had a rough patch at the end, both rekindled their relationship and had mutual respect for each other.
Kobe Bryant considered Shaquille O’Neal the ‘most powerful human being’ he had played with
While many may perceive Kobe and Shaq’s relationship was fueled by the feud, many often forget to see their mutual respect. In an award ceremony after the Lakers’ title win in 2001, Kobe had high words of praise for Diesel while presenting him the award. In his speech, Kobe said,
“What can I say, about Shaquille O’Neal? The Diesel. From his career starting in Orlando. I’m happy that thing went bad. I’m happy he lost Houston, because then he came out here joined the Lake show. Put us on his back, carried us to a championship. He’s the most powerful human being I’ve ever played with, I’ve ever seen him play.”
Indeed, Shaq was one of the most dominant in his positions during his career. Throughout his career with the Lakers, he averaged 27.0 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in 514 games. Kobe had better words to describe Shaq while sliding in a cheeky insult for Atlanta Hawks’ Dikeme Mutombo. He added,
“You guys have to understand this, I’m a fan just like everybody else. And when I play with Shaquille, and I give him one of those passes, and he goes up for a dunk, I don’t think you guys understand how hard he dunks the ball. I mean he dunks with so much force, and Mutombo, he’s a strong guy, he’s a big guy. And Diesel just…who just absolutely abusing him.”
Shaquille O’Neal would not have accepted the award from anyone other than Kobe Bryant
Shaq was very particular about who would have presented him the MVP award following the 2001 title run. He wanted the prize to be presented by the greatest player in basketball, and to him, that was Kobe Bryant.
The particular moment when Shaq was presented with the award by his teammate was a wholesome moment for Laker fans. After learning of Kobe’s death, Shaq was extremely heartbroken. In an interview with People Magazine, he said,
“I’ll never get to see Kobe again, in real life, forever. I just should have called. He should have called. We both should have called. Call your mom. Call your brother. Call the homeboy you used to party with in college. Forever is a long time.”
