Shaquille O’Neal Claiming Lakers Fans Loved Kobe Bryant Over Him Draws Mixed Reactions – “Was Mad When You Left”

Shaquille O’Neal related to LeBron James’ relationship with Lakers fans by comparing it with Kobe Bryant.

Shaquille O’Neal Claiming Lakers Fans Loved Kobe Bryant Over Him Draws Mixed Reactions – “Was Mad When You Left”

Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant (Image credits - Firstsportz)

Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant formed one of the most dangerous duos in NBA history. The two superstars joined forces with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1996, and the rest was history.

Bryant was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in the 1996 NBA draft before getting traded to the Lakers. Meanwhile, O’Neal signed with the Lakers as a free agent and was already one of the best players in the league.

The two icons played together for eight seasons and lifted three championships in four NBA Finals. The Diesel was named the Finals MVP in all three years. However, despite being the best player on the team, he was never loved as much as Bryant.

There have been reports lately that LeBron James felt he was never fully loved and accepted by the fanbase either. O’Neal empathized with James, saying he knew how it felt not to be loved by Lakers Nation.

They didn’t love me, they loved Kobe. This is what we call B-O-B, brother to business of basketball. You know, when you’re like me, when I’m in charge I’m a difficult man to deal with. The thing has to be done my way, and sometimes people don’t agree with that. And you know, so when they get you up out of there, so I can kinda understand both sides.

Shaquille O’Neal on SiriusXM’s NBA Today

There is no doubt that Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant were a legendary duo that could strike fear into any opposing defense. Many believe the two of them would win another 10 championships if the Lakers did not trade O’Neal after the 2003-04 campaign.

Bryant is undoubtedly the most loved player to ever don the purple and gold. He spent the entire 20 seasons of his career playing for the Lakers. Meanwhile, James departed from the Lakers after an eight-year stint, and it is believed that he never won over Lakers fans despite winning them a championship in 2020. In the end, that shows the volatility of the fanbase.

RELATED
Stephen A. Smith Wholeheartedly Apologizes to Kyrie Irving Over COVID-19 Controversies: “I Did Him Wrong”

Fans react to Shaquille O’Neal relating to LeBron James’ relationship with Lakers fans

It is unfair to say that James never won over the Lakers nation. While he cannot be compared to the likes of Bryant, Magic Johnson and some of his other predecessors, he did give the fans some joyous moments and created a lot of history during his time in LA.

Following O’Neal’s comments, fans flooded social media by reacting to it.

Most fans expressed their love for O’Neal. They revealed that they took his exit personally and his impact on the organization was much bigger than James’.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar urged Lakers’ fanbase to appreciate LeBron James’ impact

Many predicted that LeBron James would end his career with the Lakers after joining them as a free agent in 2018. After an impressive 23rd season, he decided to test free agency for the final time in his career and signed with the Philadelphia 76ers.

LeBron James
LeBron James (Image credits – SleeperCavs/X)

Former Lakers superstar Kareem Abdul-Jabbar requested Lakers fans to show support to James after his departure.

LeBron was a winner on and off the court, and Laker fans should appreciate his performance for the last 8 years.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on X

His eight-year stint in LA is the longest single stint of his career. He may have joined the Lakers at the age of 33, but he did change the fortunes of the organization as they won a title after a decade.

Also Read: