NBA legends Shaquille O’Neal, and the late Kobe Bryant, are one of the best duos ever. Their styles complemented each other and helped the Los Angeles Lakers. After 4 great seasons with the Orlando Magic, superstar O’Neal joined the Lakers in 1995. That year also marked the arrival of a rookie Bryant to the team. Shaq had already led the Magic to an NBA Final but was not able to win it. He came with a huge reputation. Shaq signed the biggest contract ever, at that time so expectations were high.

Bryant on the other hand was a huge prospect with a lot of hype around his arrival. Even though he needed some time, he became one of the best players on the team and in the league. And the arrival of legendary coach, Phil Jackson, took Bryant’s game to a different level. Everything came together, and the Lakers became one of the best teams in the league with a prime Shaq and a developing Kobe.

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But things were not smooth between the dynamic duo. There were reports of multiple flare-ups between the superstars during practices. However, their desire to win a ring took center stage and made them work together in tandem.

Wallace talks about the iconic Kobe Bryant and O’Neal connection

In 1999, the eventual champions San Antonio Spurs swept the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals. However, they came back stronger in the very next year. This time around, they faced the Portland Trail Blazers in the Western Conference Finals. And they were not ready to go back the same way they did last year. In game 7, Bryant and O’Neal produced one of the most iconic alley-oop finishes in crunch time. The NBA legend, Rasheed Wallace, was the one who got dunked on. He recently spoke about it.

Wallace said, “So it was to the point where I thought I could get him on a jab. So like a little fake jab and I get him to throw a little sooner. So I really on the back step, I really didn’t jump, and it kept going over my hand. And then the big fella, BOOM! Run and s**t. And the rest is history.” 

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He added that play was a spark to that Lakers’ dynasty. The Lakers went on to win the title that year and the next 2 straight years. The duo of Bryant and Shaq dominated the league with ease. They are the last team to record a three-peat in the NBA. Many fans around the world consider that team one of the best teams ever in the NBA for their sheer dominance.

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Do you think Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal are one of the best duos ever? Let us know in the comments.