15 Years After “How My A** Taste” Brawl with Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal Makes a Courageous Admission

NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal has battled some of the harshest criticisms and hate from the media and the fans. During his long career in the NBA, Shaq was one of the best players in the league which naturally brought in a lot of attention. However, it seems Shaq is done with that lifestyle. On the latest episode of The Big Podcast with Shaq, which happens to be a fan favorite, the former NBA champion talked about how he approaches life nowadays.

Although Shaq might not indulge in any negativity online nowadays, he once dissed former teammate Kobe Bryant during a freestyle. Talking about how he has changed as a person, Shaq touched upon issues such as handling online hate and more.

NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal doesn’t indulge in negativity anymore

NBA athletes are no less than celebrities. Naturally, there will be a lot of hate that comes with such popularity. Shaquille O’Neal is a perfect example of someone who has dealt with a lot of hate. While he also indulged in hate during his younger years, Shaq is a changed man now.

On the latest episode of The Big Podcast with Shaq, the Los Angeles Lakers legend made an honest confession. Shaq said, “Look, I’ve been a hypocrite for a long time, in a lot of situations. I’m at a point where I don’t have to be anymore, I see a lot of negative stuff online on social media, I can’t go down that path. I’m not going to do stuff just to get brownie points.”

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Interestingly, a young Shaq once dissed former teammate Kobe Bryant in front of a huge crowd. O’Neal freestyled a verse where he referenced Bryant and said, “how does my a** taste?”. Despite his history, it seems an older and wiser Shaq is a changed man now.

Shaq’s infamous beef with Kobe Bryant

The beef between Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant was more than evident during their time with the Los Angeles Lakers. In fact, the rivalry got so heated that Shaq slapped Kobe Bryant once.

Back in 1998, things got heated between the two Lakers superstars during a training session. O’Neal slapped Bryant on the head during this altercation and the other players had to step in between the two. Shaq ultimately left the Lakers and joined the Miami Heat in 2004 while Kobe played the entirety of his career with the Lakers.

WATCH THIS STORY: Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard—all the coaches and players Shaquille O’Neal had feuds with

What is your favorite memory of Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant? Let us know in the comments below.