Shaquille O’Neal Destroyed Scottie Pippen: “I Don’t Let Bums Disrespect Me. He Was a Great Player but I’m the Bridge He’s the Water. He’ll Always Be Under Me.”

Published 12/01/2021, 9:30 AM EST

When it comes to controversies in the world of basketball, Shaquille O’Neal doesn’t fear speaking his mind freely. The NBA legend enjoyed an immensely successful career. During his career, O’Neal developed rivalries with many of his colleagues. Furthermore, he recently spoke about one such retired NBA star.

Shaq revealed his thoughts about his former rival Scottie Pippen on ‘The Dan Patrick’ show. A Chicago Bulls legend, Pippen was a cornerstone at the franchise and played alongside NBA legends like Michael Jordan and Dennis Rodman. Shaq declared himself to be the superior player of the two with an unusual analogy.

He said, “I don’t let bums disrespect me. Yeah, he was a great player, but I’m the bridge, he’s the water. He will always be under me. Every now and then, he will rise to the occasion to get to the same level as the bridge.”

Article continues below this ad

Shaq further continued, “But when reality kicks in, I am bridge. He is water, he is under me. Scotty Pippen can’t disrespect me. So he comes to me; I’m coming back and we can do this all day cause I have nothing to do.”

O’Neal had the better of Pippen during their meeting in June 2000. They met during the Western Conference Finals with Pippen’s Portland Trail Blazers facing O’Neal’s Lakers. O’Neal and fellow All-Star Kobe Bryant coached by Pippen’s former coach Phil Jackson defeated the Trail Blazers 89-84. The Lakers and O’Neal advanced to the 2000 NBA Finals, which they subsequently won.

A 15 time NBA All-Star, O’Neal has won four NBA championships.

WATCH: Kings Player Gets Injured by the Referee During Game vs Lakers

Article continues below this ad

The Clippers lost to the Lakers as Shaquille O’Neal scores 61 points on his birthday

Los Angeles Lakers fans celebrated Shaq’s 28th birthday on the basketball court. The March 6, 2000 game against the Los Angeles Clippers was a memorable occasion for O’Neal on two counts. O’Neal also won his only NBA ‘Most Valuable Player’ award that season.

He celebrated scoring a career-high 61 points and also his birthday against the Clippers. O’Neal added a further 23 rebounds and three assists. The Lakers guided by O’Neal, triumphed to a 123-103 victory against the Clippers. O’Neal’s commanding performance against the Clipper remains one of the Lakers’ finest games ever.

Article continues below this ad

Watch this story: LeBron James, Michael Jordan & Other NBA Stars React to Fashion Designer Virgil Ablohs Sudden Demise

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Shalom Saldanha is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. Currently pursuing his journalism degree, he has previously worked as a sports corresspondent for India Shorts/Business Upturn. A Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bucks fan, Shalom primarily got into the sport after discovering that he shared a mutual love for Arsenal with the 'Greek Freak'.

Shaquille O’Neal Destroyed Scottie Pippen: “I Don’t Let Bums Disrespect Me. He Was a Great Player but I’m the Bridge He’s the Water. He’ll Always Be Under Me.”

The Clippers lost to the Lakers as Shaquille O’Neal scores 61 points on his birthday

Trending

Days After $800K Loss, Bronny James Spotted at Shaquille O’Neal’s Daughter Me’arah’s 18th Birthday Bash

“You 7’4, I’m 6′10”: Dwight Howard Responds After Shaquille O’Neal Gets JJ Redick’s Verdict on Orlando Legacy

Lakers News: Headache for Jeanie Buss and Rob Pelinka, as Ex-Coach Shuts Door on LA Return Following Ty Lue Decision

“It Was Embarrassing and It Was My Fault”: Shaquille O’Neal’s Lifelong Regret Still Haunts 7ft Giant to This Day

Lakers News: Anthony Edwards Could Force Jeanie Buss to Go After Kevin Durant Amid Locker Room Turmoil