Shaquille O’Neal recalls surprising Kobe Bryant story from the 2009 NBA All-Star Game

When Kobe Bryant arrived at the Los Angeles Lakers for the 1996-97 season, the roster was led by Shaquille O’Neal. At first, the partnership between Bryant and O’Neal faced some challenges. However, they eventually found their rhythm and won three consecutive NBA championships. Even so, their relationship off the court continued to deteriorate. As a result, Shaq decided to leave the franchise. Years later, they reunited at the 2009 All-Star Game, and he revealed a fascinating anecdote with Kobe on that game.

“As much as I miss Kobe, one of my favorite days was at the All-Star game in Phoenix. It was toward the end of my career. I made it and he kept dropping me off and it felt like the old days…At the end when we both got MVP, he gave the trophy to my son, grabbed me, and said ‘Thank you, big fella. You always stayed on my a** and I love you for that.’ That s**t almost brought tears to me, but the fact that he took the trophy and gave it to little Reef… cause you know Kobe ain’t emotional,” confessed Shaq O’Neal on the ‘BIG Podcast.

Both players had strong personalities, and their clashes became inevitable. At the same time, Kobe’s rise to stardom made him a natural leader in the Lakers’ locker room. He also demanded more commitment to physical preparation, an area where Bryant set the example. However, Shaq did not respond well to this pressure, and after eight seasons with the franchise, he chose to leave. Nevertheless, the well-known rivalry between Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant came to an end after that game.

Shaquille O’Neal still produced incredible numbers despite his fitness challenges. He averaged 27 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists across 514 games with the Lakers. Moreover, he built a reputation as one of the toughest players to stop in the NBA.

Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal at the Los Angeles Lakers.

In a later interview, Kobe explained that if Shaq had prepared like he did, he would have won even more championships. He even claimed Shaq could have become the greatest player in basketball history. Although that never happened, O’Neal still left a lasting mark as one of the most beloved legends in the league.

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Shaquille O’Neal shares surprising truth about his three Finals MVP awards

The Los Angeles Lakers dominated the NBA in the early 2000s. They won three consecutive championships and built a legendary dynasty. Shaquille O’Neal led the way and captured three straight Finals MVP awards. He played at an unstoppable level and overwhelmed opponents during that stretch. Several years later, after Kobe Bryant passed away, Shaq opened up about that era. He confessed that Bryant played a crucial role in his three MVP trophies.

“He (Bryant) sacrificed, he did…Cuz all those Finals where he helped me win a championship, he damn sure could have easily got Finals MVP, but that was our plan. Big dog, you for the first three (quarters) and the fourth, I take over…My favorite game (was) in Indiana our first championship, where I fouled out… I already know if we f*****g lose this series, it is going to be my fault. I’m looking at Kobe, m*****f***** do me like (relax sign)…he had like an incredible four or five, I knew then we was going to win our first championship.“

stated Shaq O’Neal on Draymond Green’s podcast.