“F**k you! This is my motherf**king team!” – When 19-year-old Kobe Bryant FOUGHT Shaquille O’Neal who threatened to get young star traded

Discover the fiery origins of the legendary Shaq and Kobe rivalry during a fateful pick-up game, redefining the Lakers' history.

“F**k you! This is my motherf**king team!” – When 19-year-old Kobe Bryant FOUGHT Shaquille O’Neal who threatened to get young star traded

Shaq and Kobe Bryant (Credits: Bleacher Report)

In the realm of professional basketball, rivalries have been adding drama and excitement to the sport. One of the prime examples of rivalries was the Lakers’ duo of Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. Two NBA legends who played together at their peak. The two superstars achieved great success for the Los Angeles Lakers; however, their rivalry can be traced back to the 1998 NBA season.

In 1998, Shaq was already an established player; whereas, Bryant was just a 19 years old rising star with immense potential. Shaq’s persona was quite dominant on and off the basketball court, and Bryant initially felt intimidated around Shaq. During the lockout NBA players were restricted from attending any official team activities. The duo tried finding open gyms in Los Angeles where they could continue honing their skills.

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During the gym visits the seeds of their intense rivalry were sown. Sportswriter Jeff Pearlman stated the two NBA legends found themselves on opposite teams in a pick-up game. Like every other pick-up game, there were disagreements over fouls. Shaq was found guilty of calling a foul every time he missed a shot, showing his disagreement Bryant started passing comments. While playing, Bryant drove towards the rim, leaned into O’Neal’s body and scooped the ball beneath his raised arm into the hoop. In anger Shaq stated “F— you!, This is my team! Mothef—ing team!”

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The situation reached a breaking point, when Bryant screamed at Shaq, proclaiming that nothing could stop him. This incident led to a brief brawl between the two NBA stars, where other participants had to intervene to separate the two rivals. Reports stated that Shaq was mentally prepared to physically confront his counterpart.

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Shaq and Kobe Bryant turbulence: A tale of conflict, championships, and the Lakers’ era in the NBA

The incident did not result in immediate consequences; however, it was enough to set up a turbulent relationship between the two Lakers. Despite the tension and occasional clashes, they managed to win three NBA championships as teammates.

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However, their turbulent relationship led to their separation which also marked the end of the Lakers era in NBA history.

This rivalry serves as a testament to the competitive spirit and intensity of the two legends. Reminding that the greatest partnerships can be marked by conflicts and the rivalry on its own can be a driving force behind the achievement.

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