Shaquille O’Neal gets emotional remembering Kobe Bryant, willing to make HUGE SACRIFICE if it meant he was still alive
Shaq opens up about his grief and love for Kobe.
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L-Shaquille O’Neal and R-Kobe Bryant (Via NBA.com)
On this day 23 years ago, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal led the Los Angeles Lakers to a stunning comeback victory over the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals. The game was sealed by a memorable alley-oop from Kobe to Shaq that sent the Staples Center (now Crypto.com Arena) crowd into a frenzy.
But for Shaq, that moment is bittersweet. He revealed on NBATV Sunday before Game 2 of the NBA Finals between Denver Nuggets and Miami Heat, that he would gladly give up that moment if it meant Kobe was still alive.
“Every time I see my young fella, he’s not with us anymore, it kinda makes me sad. Of course it was a happy moment. But, if I could trade that moment and have him sitting here with us … that would be better for me.” Shaq said.
The Kobe-Shaq connection is one of the most iconic images of the NBA in the 2000s. The two superstars dominated the league and won three consecutive championships together. But they also had their share of conflicts and disagreements that eventually led to their breakup.
Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant’s bond transcended basketball
However, after Kobe’s tragic death in a helicopter crash in 2020, Shaq expressed his love and admiration for his former teammate and friend. He said he wished he had spent more time with him and told him how much he appreciated him.
Shaq is not alone in feeling that way. Many fans and players around the league have paid tribute to Kobe and his legacy. His impact on the game and the culture is undeniable.
Shaq and Kobe will always be remembered as one of the greatest duos in NBA history, but more importantly, as two men who had a deep respect and affection for each other. Their bond transcended basketball and touched many lives.
RIP Kobe Bean.
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Ankush Singh
(616 Articles Published)