In the dynamic world of the NBA, many things are continuously changing over time. If there is one constant that remains an exception to this rule, however, it is the memorable bonds that are formed between players. One of the legendary partnerships that stands out when discussing the same is the dynamic duo of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal. The two NBA legends spent seven years as teammates. Shaq and Kobe stand out not just for their basketball prowess but for the enduring nature of their bond.

Thanks to them, the early 2000s saw the Los Angeles Lakers returning to their former glory, with the duo taking the lead and delivering three championships in a row. While they succeeded in creating a basketball symphony, many people have questioned whether this same bond managed to extend beyond the confines of a basketball court.

Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal inspired others through their competitive spirit

Both Kobe and Shaq were competitive individuals, always attempting to do better than their rivals and they set similar standards for their teammates. By bringing them together on one team, the then Lakers general manager Jerry West created an environment that had the duo demand nothing but excellence from each other and their teammates.

In a recent interview with The US Sun, former Lakers player Rick Fox revealed the environment he had to thrive in during the team’s three-peat era. The 54-year-old revealed that the Lakers were “obsessed” with challenging each other. An individual team member’s effort would not be noticed unless he put his maximum energy for the same.

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“It’s why you saw so much of the challenge between Shaq and Kobe,” said Fox during the interview. “We pushed the big guys, Shaq and Kobe, just as hard as they pushed us.”

The “ungraceful communication” that Fox witnessed during his 7 years with the Lakers left him with an important life lesson. During the same interview, the former NBA player revealed that he incorporated his learnings from Shaq and Kobe in his company, Partanna, which aims to lower CO2 levels by making use of carbon negative concrete.

“I owe everything to them because they were beyond average. They were the greatest to play the game,” said Fox. Rick Fox continues to remain just one example amongst thousands of other people who took inspiration from Shaq and Kobe’s competitive spirit and went on to build their lives by using the above philosophy as motivation.

Kobe Bryant was there for Shaq’s son, and vice versa

Both Shaq and Kobe shared a bond that continued to be affected by their on-court and off-court actions. Prominent fans of the NBA may be aware of the well-documented feud that developed between the two players during their time as teammates. The tension between the “big man” and the disciplined young “hotshot” would often be built up by the media. The duo would have constant back-and-forth repos on the basis of their on-court roles and alleged ego issues.

Their tension, however, seemed to have ended during the 2009 NBA All-Star Game in Phoenix, when both were named the MVP. A heartfelt moment occurred when Kobe passed on the trophy to O’Neal’s son, Shareef. This act made NBA fans see the foundation of a new beginning being laid down.

Along with Shaq, Kobe took upon himself to build a repo with the Big Aristotle’s son Shareef. During an interview, the now 23-year-old described how Kobe was one of the few individuals outside his family who kept tabs on him after Shareef underwent open-heart surgery.

“He was one person who always checked in with me,” said Shareef. “Like every single day of my [open heart] surgery, he would always message me, ‘How you doing today?’ He always looked out for me.”

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Shaq’s true feelings about his feud with the Black Mamba came in the aftermath of the helicopter crash that claimed the lives of both Kobe and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna. Kobe’s death was a double tragedy for O’Neal, who had lost his sister during the same time period. Both deaths sent Shaq into a dark place. He reportedly developed an eating disorder and started suffering from insomnia.

Shaq voiced his support for Kobe’s widow, Vanessa, when she took to the court to seek damages after it was revealed that there were graphic photographs of the helicopter crash victims being passed on by certain individuals. Shaq stated that he “feels for her” and that while he and Vanessa didn’t talk a lot, they had mutual respect for each other.

The Final Verdict

Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal had an on-court relationship with its ups and downs. In the end, however, they were two individuals who were connected beyond the confines of basketball by the way they inspired others and the mutual respect they held for each other’s loved ones. As the world mourned the passing of the Black Mamba in 2020, Shaq took it upon himself to enlighten the people on what made their partnership a memorable one.

“Like immature kids, we argued and we fought, or we insulted each other with offhand remarks. But when the cameras were turned off, he and I would throw a wink at each other and say, ‘Let’s go whoop ass,’” said Shaq during Kobe’s memorial service in 2020.

Shaq reciprocated the respect that Kobe showed to Shareef by promising that he would teach “Natalia, Bianka and baby Capri” all his moves. Thankfully, he promised not to teach his ‘iconic’ free throw techniques.

Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal’s off-court relationship stands as a true testament to what admiration between two former players looks like. The world of basketball may continue to change on its axis, but Shaq and Kobe’s partnership will continue to remain a pivotal chapter in the history book of the NBA.

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Editorial Disclaimer: The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of EssentiallySports.