After Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul Jabbar, the Lakers found their next most dominant duo in Kobe and Shaq. However, only true NBA fans know that Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal were not always the closest of friends. And one of the reasons for that could be that Shaq went and joined their rivals, the Boston Celtics.

However, this enmity gave the NBA one of its most iconic stare-downs in its history. Footage of that iconic stare-down has now resurfaced on the internet. Evidently, NBA fans are still hyped about this iconic duo and their footprint on the league’s history.

NBA fans react to insane Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal footage

Were Kobe and Shaq always friends?

While most Lakers fans remember this iconic duo for their three-peat from 2001 to 2003. However, these two did not always share the same chemistry as they showed on the court. There’s a reason they traded Shaq to the Heat. However, it is uncertain that Kobe had any role in that.

Nevertheless, one thing that was certain was that these two did not always share a good relationship. As professionals, they might have reconciled later and even personally, but it’s like how they say “You forgive but do you ever forget?”. According to LakersNation, in 2003, Bryant was upset at O’Neal for not attempting to reach out during his legal troubles, stating that Shaq was “supposed to be my friend.”

Trending

Shaq Makes Big Claim That Can End LeBron James’ Future With Lakers After Nuggets Series

April 17, 2024 06:48 PM EDT

Why Is Gabbie Marshall Not Invited to the 2024 WNBA Draft Despite Graduating From Iowa?

April 13, 2024 06:21 PM EDT

Is Dawn Staley Married? Details on South Carolina Coach’s Love Life and Special Bond With Lisa Boyer

March 16, 2024 06:41 PM EDT

“I Am Sorry to Her” – Caitlin Clark Responds to Her Third-Grade Teacher’s Special Message.

April 17, 2024 09:19 AM EDT

Possible Shohei Ohtani Ban From MLB Has Shaq Questioning $700 Million Contract

April 16, 2024 05:20 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Scottie Pippen on Balancing Relationship With Michael Jordan: ‘It’s Not Like We Sleep in the Same Bed Together. It’s Not Like We Live Together’

However, they eventually came to terms with that and Shaq even admitted that he regrets leaving the Lakers. After the unfortunate death of Kobe Bryant in 2020, the entire NBA community was distraught.

Did Shaq’s son receive the last text message from Kobe?

Shareef O’Neal, Shaquille O’Neal’s son, received a text message from Kobe Bryant the morning of his death. O’Neal was mentored by the now-retired NBA legend. The SMS was simply a check-in message inquiring about his well-being.

O’Neal responded, but never heard back. He later found out Bryant had died in a helicopter crash. Bryant’s death broke Shaq’s heart, and he offered a moving address during Kobe’s memorial service in Los Angeles. Shaq called his old teammate a “little brother” in that emotional address. Clearly, we have come way past that beef.

Watch This Story: Who Is Richer Between Roger Federer and Tiger Woods? Investment Comparisons Between the Two