One of the best duos to exist during their time in the NBA was Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. Although there were ups and downs in their relationships, the two shared a deep bond.
The respect Shaq had for Kobe can be further exemplified in a recent interview where he revealed an interesting fact about his kids. According to Shaq, his kids don’t look up to him. Rather, they look up to his good friend Kobe Bryant and leading MVP candidate Kevin Durant of the Brooklyn Nets.
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Who do Shaq’s kids idolize?
While it’s obvious to think that Shaquille O’Neal’s kids look up to him, the reality is quite different. Talking in an interview, Shaq revealed who his kids idolize.
It’s not him, rather it is ex-teammate Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant. When a lady on the panel mentioned how she wanted to wear Shaq’s jersey, he revealed how his kids don’t wear his own jersey.
Shaq said, ” I don’t care about all the things I’m doing, I’m a dad first. You said that you wanted to wear my jersey, well my kids wear Kobe’s jersey. They look up to Kobe and Durant and those guys and they just see me as a dad.”
This goes on to show how close Bryant and Shaq were. The duo won three NBA championships together while playing for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Shaquille O’Neal reveals favorite memory with Kobe
The world was taken aback after the tragic passing away of Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna, along with 7 others in a tragic accident. After his unfortunate demise, close friend Shaquille O’Neal revealed a heartening story involving his kids and Kobe.
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EL SEGUNDO, CA OCT. 1, 2012. Lakers star player Kobe Bryant is all smiles during the teams’ media day at their El Segundo training facility on Monday, Oct. 1, 2012. (Photo by Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
When asked about his favorite memory with Kobe, Shaq mentioned, “Just him taking the time to talk to my kids. Unfortunately, for me, even though I was a great player, I’m not my kids’ favorite player. For Kobe to take the time to text my babies, check upon them. It was special.”
The Shaq and Kobe duo
The Shaq and Kobe duo was a force to reckon with. Playing for the Los Angeles Lakers from 1996 to 2004, the duo led the Lakers to 3 NBA titles in 2000, 2001, and 2002.
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Lakers Kobe Bryant, left, celebrates his 48 points with Shaquille O’Neal after defeating the Kings in Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals at the Arco Arena in Sacramento. (Photo by Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Kobe averaged 21.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.4 assists in 461 games while playing with Shaq. On the other hand, Shaq averaged 26.8 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in 461 games with Kobe.
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What is your favorite memory of Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant? Let us know in the comments below.
