RARE: Shaquille O’Neal Shares Kobe Bryant’s Unseen Childhood Picture With Father in Italy

Kobe Bryant was one of the best players of his generation. He won five championships in his 20-year-old career with the Lakers. Even after his tragic death, he continues to inspire the young generation of players trying to make it to professional basketball.

Kobe and Shaquille O’Neal formed one of the best duos in the NBA during their time at the Lakers. The duo helped the Lakers win a three-peat during the early 2000s. However, despite good chemistry on the court, they weren’t the best of friends off it. But as time passed, the two developed a good relationship and became very close.

In fact, Kobe had a special relationship with Shaq’s son and acted as a mentor to him. Shaq was shocked after Kobe’s tragic death and continues to remember him. He recently shared an old picture of Kobe and his father on his social media.

Shaquille O’Neal takes to Instagram to share Kobe Bryant and his father’s old picture

Former Lakers star Shaquille O’Neal recently shared an unseen picture of his former teammate Kobe Bryant and his father. It was clicked in Italy when the two went to watch a soccer game. Following is the picture shared by Shaq on his Instagram story.

Kobe was born in Philadelphia, but he also spent his childhood in Italy. Kobe’s father, Joe Bryant, played eight years in the Italian league for four different teams. During that time, Kobe used to stay with him in Italy. When Joe played for Reggiana, the family used to stay in Reggio Emilia. It is here Kobe started playing basketball.

However, after Reggiana, Joe plied his trade in France with Mulhouse. During summers, Kobe used to come back to the United States to play basketball. When Kobe turned 13, he and his family came back to USA.

However, Kobe had developed some love for the game of soccer back in Italy. He was an avid supporter of AC Milan in his childhood.

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