Shaquille O’Neal confirms Kobe Bryant’s claims, reveals he weighed over 400 POUNDS during duo’s last title win with Lakers 

Shaquille O’Neal revealed his weight during the three-peat with Kobe Bryant, saying he weighed over 400 pounds during their last title run in 2002.

Shaquille O’Neal confirms Kobe Bryant’s claims, reveals he weighed over 400 POUNDS during duo’s last title win with Lakers 

Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant (Credits: NBC News)

The major point of contention between the iconic duo of Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant during their historic three-peat run from 2000 to 2002 was Shaq’s commitment to the team and work ethic. This feud extended beyond the game, fracturing the once great friendship between them. In 2003, Shaq and Kobe operated within this fractured system, relying on their individual talents to reach the Finals.

Shaq discussed his significant weight gain during the Lakers’ three-peat in an interview with NFL legend Tom Brady on the “Let’s Go!” podcast with Brady and Jim Gray. He mentioned weighing 345 pounds when Phil Jackson took over as the Lakers’ head coach in 1999. By the summer following the 1999-2000 season, he had gained 40 pounds, reaching 385. Despite being listed at 325 pounds in the final year of the three-peat, Shaq claimed he actually weighed 415 pounds.

He said:

When Phil Jackson came and we won the first championship I was 345. Then I had a great summer and came back 385 for the second one. Last championship I was 415.

He further talked about how Miami Heat Head Coach Pat Riley got him back in shape and back at 325 pounds to make their championship run in 2006.

When I got traded away, Pat Riley had me doing Army drills and I got back down to 325. I was... up and down.

Shaquille O’Neal’s stunning body transformation

After his stint with the Miami Heat, Shaq was still a great player but bounced around the league. During this time, he gained a lot of weight. So, when he arrived in Boston after an All-NBA third-team appearance in 2009 during his time in Phoenix, he was severely out of shape. Though he played decently in Boston, it was not nearly as well as prime Shaq. His career ended in 2010 after he tore his Achilles tendon and called it quits.

Shaquille O’Neal’s stunning body transformation
Shaquille O’Neal (via LegionHoops on X)

Following his retirement, Shaq couldn’t keep his weight in check. It reached a point where he couldn’t climb the stairs in his house. Subsequently, Shaq began taking care of his health and recently shared a picture where it seems like he has lost a lot of weight. Shaq frequently posts workout videos and appears to have embarked on the right path to maintain his health and fitness.

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