Shaquille O’Neal: “I’m Glad They’re Taking the Name Down Because That Was Our Building… Staples Center Belonged to Shaq and Kobe Bryant Forever.”

Published 12/09/2021, 9:17 PM EST

The Staples Center is officially changing its name to Crypto.com Arena after announcing it last month. Amid this change of name, an unexpected Lakers legend is rather glad they are doing so. Contrary to popular public opinion, Shaquille O’Neal admitted that he’s celebrating the name change for a unique reason: and, that is Kobe Bryant.

On the latest episode of the Big Podcast, O’Neal admitted that he was happy seeing them take down the Staples Center sign. This is what he said while talking about his most memorable moments at the Staples Center.

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Shaquille O’Neal on how the Staples Center belonged to him and Kobe Bryant

While talking about his favorite memories in the Staples Center, O’Neal admitted he is glad to see the change in name. He said, “I’m glad they’re taking the name of the Staples Center down because that was our building….Congratulations to the owners for getting the new deal, but Staples Center belonged to Shaq and Kobe forever.”

Arguably the most iconic duo in Lakers’ history, O’Neal and Bryant dominated the NBA throughout their careers. Moreover, when they teamed up, they gave the Lakers the first 3-peat in their history. Their dominant performance in the NBA Finals in 2000 against Reggie Miller’s Indiana Pacers arguably stole Miller’s best chance of winning a title.

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Kobe Bryant’s most iconic moments at the Staples Center

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Other than the 81 point performance at the Staples Center, Bryant’s most iconic performance at the Staples Center came in Game 7 of the 2010 NBA Finals. He waited for two years to get his revenge on the Celtics after losing to them in the 2008 NBA Finals.

Throughout Game 7, the Lakers and Celtics were tied. However, a clutch Metta World Peace 3-pointer off a Bryant pass gave the Lakers an 83-79 victory. In front of his home supporters, Bryant’s 23 points and 15 rebounds clinched him his fifth NBA title. He delivered Staples Center one of its most memorable moments. Indeed, revenge is a dish best served cold.

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Chaitanya Dadhwal is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. Even though his journalism is driven by his desire to understand both sides of an argument and give a neutral perspective, he is biased towards Houston Rockets and Arsenal, and he has shown exactly how loyal he can be through tough times. Currently a Law student at Jindal Global Law School, he aims to have his own sports management firm one day and enjoys rap music during his time off.

Shaquille O’Neal: “I’m Glad They’re Taking the Name Down Because That Was Our Building… Staples Center Belonged to Shaq and Kobe Bryant Forever.”

Shaquille O’Neal on how the Staples Center belonged to him and Kobe Bryant

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Kobe Bryant’s most iconic moments at the Staples Center