While the NBA is on a break, a $16 million video game company decided to fill in the gap. By creating a poll to satisfy fans’ desire of seeing their idol Kobe Bryant, the sensational company decided to choose the Los Angeles Lakers icon as their new cover star for an upcoming video game. Although the efforts looked promising, the ultimate result was an utter disappointment for many. NBA buffs on Twitter did not hold back as they unleashed their wrath with heavy criticism. However, Kobe’s former teammate Shaquille O’Neal has a totally different narrative.

Joining hands with the multi-million company once again, Big Diesel this time did not hesitate to choose sides. What did the Los Angeles Lakers legend have to say?

Shaquille O’Neal sides with a $16 million company for Kobe Bryant

51-year-old Shaq has partnered with many business ventures off late. The latest one on the list was ‘NBA 2k’, a famous video game simulation that has a prolonged impact on hoop fans. Some of the main covers have been sensational. Keeping that in mind, as a tribute to late legend Bryant, the $16 million company announced him to be the new cover for their latest iteration of the game.

However, fans’ high expectations were broken into pieces after the cover was revealed. Fans believe the NBA 2k did a ‘lazy’ job and made it clear that this was not the tribute they were expecting. While the company decided to control the damage by revealing another cover with the Lakers legend, fans were not satisfied with it either. Nonetheless, Shaq doesn’t feel so. 

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It’s a known fact how close the Black Mamba was to Shaq. O’Neal, when asked about the latest cover, revealed, “Well, I wish he was here to celebrate with us. It only makes sense. He’s probably the best number 24 at all sports.”

Clearly, there was no criticism from the 2000 MVP at all. In fact, Shaq had even collaborated with NBA 2k recently!

The Big Aristotle partners with NBA 2k 

The $16 million company wanted the best actor for a promotion, and it was none other than the former Lakers star. The game has brought in several improvements over the years. Anyhow, the latest one, ‘cross play’, which allows users with different platforms to connect, stands as a unique development. 

Although the company is late to this update, the sales are only set to raise as this is just an added advantage for gamers. Shaq played his part with a perfect act to sell it to the fans.

Read more: Shocked by Public Accusations of “Coattailing”, Shaquille O’Neal Miserably Fails to Seeks Revenge on Charles Barkley

What are your thoughts on Shaquille O’Neal’s comments? Do you think the cover is worth praise?