“I Kinda Said That Tongue-in-Cheek”: When Kobe Bryant Accused Shaq’s Fitness Deprived Them of More NBA Titles

Kobe Bryant felt the Los Angeles Lakers could have achieved more if Shaquille O’Neal applied more work ethic when he was his teammate. The pair won three NBA titles together, but Bryant thought they were destined for a lot more.

The Mamba and O’Neal had their fair share of fights as teammates back in their early playing days. They found it hard to get along due to their personal differences. However, for the sake of the team, the pair formed a dynamic partnership powered by Kobe’s sensational control and Shaq’s destructive gameplay. 

“He’s the most dominant player I’ve ever seen” – Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant’s appearance on ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ last year was a memorable one. Kimmel asked him to repeat the comments he made on Shaq’s fitness. In an interview with Valuetainment’s Patrick Bet-David, Bryant had insinuated that if Shaquille O’Neal had been more driven, they could have won 12 NBA titles in their career.

He felt if Shaq had kept himself in better shape, the pair could have gone on to make history. In the interview, he also spoke about O’Neal’s laziness, which stopped them from continuing their authority in the league.

Speaking to Kimmel, he stated how everyone misconceived his message. “It was really a compliment. People really missed the whole first half of that, in which I said he’s the most dominant player I’ve ever seen. And I felt he could’ve been the greatest of all time. People kind of missed that part of it and jumped to the lazy part. I kinda said that tongue-in-cheek,” Kobe laughed.

Shaq’s height and his extraordinary abilities made him a force to fear in the league. Kobe was right about how his dominance was second to none in his prime. In a very honest segment, Kobe revealed his love for Shaq and also mentioned how he might have taken offense from his message. “But it’s all good man,” he smiled. The duo’s friendship evolved into a heart-warming connection for their fans. 

“He’s more sensitive than I am,” he revealed in a light tone talking about the big man. The pair rocked the NBA with their combination, and their beautiful friendship in recent years was gratifying to see.

They scaled large heights when playing together for eight years with the Lakers. Their vicious combination on-the-court terrorized defenders. Recently, off-the-court brotherhood met a heart-breaking end by an unforeseen helicopter accident. Rest in Peace, Kobe.