Shaquille O’Neal Turned Kobe Bryant’s Advocate Years Before Shutting Stephen A. Smith Down on Live TV

The Big Aristotle confronted Stephen A. Smith on Live TV! O’Neal did not take it lightly that Kobe Bryant was left out of the GOAT debate. The 4x NBA champion argued that no matter who the GOAT is, Bryant’s name should always be in the conversation. Shaq expressed that it was disrespectful to leave out his three-peat teammate from the conversation. However, this was not the first time Shaquille O’Neal showed his disappointment over the Black Mamba‘s placement. He has always had his brother’s back!

After O’Neal argued with Stephen A. Smith, a similar video clip of him went viral on social media. It was a clip from one of Shaq’s appearances on The Rich Eisen Show. During the podcast, when Eisen asked the Hall of Famer to pick between Michael Jordan and LeBron James in the GOAT debate, Shaq wondered, “How come Kobe’s name is never brought up?” The host looked astounded at first but then admitted that it was a good point. O’Neal did not mince his words, “I think it’s kinda disrespectful.”

The clip shared on X also had a few other NBA legends and superstars wondering the same, or ranking Bryant after Jordan and ahead of James.

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Shaq and Bryant’s egos clashed during their time together with the Los Angeles Lakers. Even though O’Neal recently claimed they never had any beef, most fans would not agree with the notion considering what both had to say about each other. However, that is just what brothers do. They fight and reconcile!

Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant’s bond

Kobe Bryant was not happy with the former center’s work ethic and was vocal about it. He also questioned his teammate’s decision to undergo surgery during the season instead of the offseason. Shaquille O’Neal had a lot to say about Kobe as well. He even came up with a diss track once while at a nightclub!

When the two first battled each other after Shaq joined the Miami Heat, it was an instant classic and was one of the most intense Christmas Day Games ever. After the game, the former teammates embraced each other to the cheers of Lakers Nation.

READ MORE – Ranking the NBA’s Most Intense Christmas OT Games of All-Time

In the years that followed, their relationship smoothened. After their retirement, the legends sat together and quashed their differences.

Even during their disputes, Shaq has always been a proud big brother. The feeling has only grown. O’Neal is known for sharing various All-Time lists on his social media handles. He has almost always had Bryant in his top-5 showing his love and respect for his late brother.