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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)
Getty
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)
Who doesn’t recall the famous, or rather infamous, feud between Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal? During the Los Angeles Lakers’ glory days in the early 2000s, the two flashy personas clashed against one another. Although they had disagreements or whatever you may call it, they worked it out for the greater good. In fact, many years later, Shaq downplayed the controversy.
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Although the current Lakers squad is great, Kobe Bryant’s setup was a thing of ethereal magic. Blessed by the basketball gods themselves, the side won three consecutive titles from 2000-2002, and made a Finals appearance two years after.
Thus, you can’t argue with the fact that the roster put aside their personal differences, in order for Jerry Buss’ franchise to succeed. Yet, deep under the blanket of glory, were hidden secrets and turmoils that the world would find out only much later.
Shaquille O’Neal elaborates on his misunderstandings with Kobe Bryant
It all started in 1996. After acquiring young high school prospect in Kobe, the Lakers signed free agent Shaquille O’Neal to fine tune their setup. However, a clash of emotions ensued. With two prominent figures not willing to back down, there was a conflict of opinion within Del Harris’ men. Eventually, Shaq went to the Miami Heat, while the Mamba evolved into a 17-time All-star for his one and only home.
20 years ago today, Kobe wrote '34' on his Adidas Kobe 2s in honor of Shaq, who was suspended 3 games for throwing a punch, then dropped 56 points on the Grizzlies in ONLY 3 quarters! pic.twitter.com/wTZJvXcD4D
— Nice Kicks (@nicekicks) January 14, 2022
Although there was so much chatter and banter surrounding the pair’s equation, Shaq and Kobe always maintained that their equation was untarnished. But recently, the 15-time All-star evaluated how everyone took a tiny disagreement out of context. “The key word is respect,” he stated in all seriousness. “Like me and you could have a respectful disagreement. I’m not going to beat you up. I was never gonna beat him up.”
I guess the fact that both Kobe and Shaq went on to win four NBA titles, speaks volumes of their mentality. No matter what the bone of contention is, they took stuff on their face, kept their chins up, and focused on the goals ahead. Unsurprisingly, that’s what made them a step above the rest!
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