Kobe Bryant Once Accused Divorced Shaquille O’Neal of Spending $1 Million Just to Make Women Conceal Information
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Lakers Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal sit on the bench with foul trouble against the Timberwolves in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals at Staples Center Monday. (Photo by Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
The late great Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal had one of the most infamous public feuds in the history of the NBA. The two great players played together for the Los Angeles Lakers from 1996 to 2004. However, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal had a rocky relationship from the very beginning, which intensified into a full-scale feud later on.
In 1996, Shaq signed a seven-year $120 million contract to join the Lakers. The Lakers drafted Kobe Bryant the same year. Bryant was a crafty shooting guard with the determination to be the best in the world.
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On the other hand, Shaq was a force of nature like never seen before. In fact, the two couldn’t be any more different. However, they would set aside their differences and combine their strengths to become the first team in the NBA to three-peat after the 90s Chicago Bulls.
Kobe Bryant accuses Shaq of paying hush money
The Los Angeles Lakers completed their three-peat after winning three consecutive championships from 2000 to 2002. Shaq and Kobe’s dynamic duo played a monumental role in the remarkable feat.
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However, things started to turn sour between the pair. Shaq and Kobe’s differences started to spill over to the media. And their feud became a very public affair.
In fact, Kobe accused Shaq of paying $1 million in hush money to women for keeping his affairs secret. In response, Shaquille O’Neal retaliated saying, “I’m not the one buying love. He’s the one buying love.”
Incidentally, Kobe Bryant was accused of sexual misconduct during that time. Even though Kobe denied the allegations, he admitted to cheating on his wife Vanessa. Afterward, he gifted her a $4 million diamond ring as a kind of apology.
Meanwhile, Shaq would sign for the Miami Heat in 2004, breaking off one of the most iconic partnerships in basketball history. Later on, he would win one more championship in 2006 with the Heat. On the other hand, Kobe would lead the Lakers to two more championships in 2009 and 2010.
Shaq’s eulogy on Kobe’s memorial
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The two pioneers of the game would resolve their dispute later on in their lives. In fact, Kobe and Shaq would meet multiple times to have cordial conversations.
After Kobe’s untimely passing in 2020, Shaq would deliver a very moving eulogy in his memory. In his speech, Shaq would downplay his dispute with Kobe as a fabrication to trick the media and the fans. In fact, he would emphasize the deep love and respect they had for each other during their time together.
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What do you think of Kobe’s accusations? Comment below.
Written by:
Edited by:
Veer Badani