Even though the Los Angeles Lakers dominated the early 2000s their superstar duo was not on the best of terms. What started out as an unlikely marriage between Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal resulted in an ugly divorce. More than a decade later, the two finally patched things up. However, the patching up required bringing up some old demons. While that alliance was short, it did give fans a lifetime of memories while bringing the Lakers their first three-peat.

As a clip of the two from their championship days went viral, fans went crazy over what could have been.

The feud, and the jealousy between Shaq and Kobe Bryant

The turn of the century saw a renaissance in the city of Angels. After some truly dominant years in the 80s, the franchise, just like everyone else not named Michael Jordan, struggled throughout the 90s. However, all that was about to change. With a budding Kobe Bryant and a prime Big Diesel up top, dominance was guaranteed. And the next few seasons saw just that.

With four Finals appearances in five years and a three-peat along with it, the duo was an instant success. However, off the court, the two could not get along. Eventually, the pair took different paths and Shaquille O’Neal became a member of the Miami Heat.

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But, that rivalry channeled itself in multiple ways. In 2018, when the iconic sit-down interview between the two came out, the two openly admitted to being jealous of the other’s success.

“I tore my house up after you won your 5th ring!” Shaq admitted. The Mamba responded in the same vein. “I knew you were going to get on because of the energy, you’re going to Miami, D-Wade, and everything that was there. So I knew I had to get at least two or three. I wanted you to get that because I needed that.”

Thankfully, the two made up before Kobe Bryant‘s untimely demise. However, even with all the off-the-court drama, the on-court production was sublime.

Fans appropriately shower praise on a Mamba–Diesel video

With highlights galore, one particular clip reached Shaq’s IG story, prompting fans to celebrate the legendary twosome. Don’t worry, it’s not fake this time.

Some fans immediately stated, “Best duo ever”, or “Greatest duo in history”.

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Some fans even went to hyperbole claiming that “These dudes would have won 10 rings if they stayed together”. Another fan was more measured, stating, “These two Laker legend’s should have had at least 2 more rings together.”

While Shaq has grown out of the critiques about his weight and size, you couldn’t tell that was a problem looking at this clip. As a fan said best, “Why is O’Neal so fast.”

If they would have stayed together, more unparalleled success might have followed. But what we did get during the brief stint is unlike anything else in the history of the sport.

Cheers to two of the greatest to ever do it, Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bean Bryant.

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