66 YO Close Friend Admits Shaquille O’Neal’s “I Love You” Confession After Kobe Bryant’s Demise

Jun 3, 2023 | 8:30 AM EDT

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The infamous duo of Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant shared a complex relationship while playing for the Los Angeles Lakers. They were one of the most powerful duos in NBA history, winning three straight titles while displaying outstanding camaraderie. However, their powerful personalities clashed frequently off the court, sparking well-reported disputes. Nevertheless, they soon came to recognize and value each other’s talents. After Kobe’s tragically premature death in 2020, Shaq expressed regret for not appreciating their time together more. Despite the difficulties, their relationship endured and serves as a legendary example of basketball prowess and chemistry.

Meanwhile, a 66-year-old close friend of Shaq revealed a touching incident that took place after Shaq lost his close friend, Kobe Bryant.

A 66-year-old NBA veteran gets emotional while talking about his brothers

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In a recent episode of the ‘LeBatard Show’, the host of the show was joined by a 66-year-old NBA veteran, Ernie Johnson. At one point in the segment, Ernie got sentimental while talking about his brothers on the ‘Inside The NBA’ crew. The cast of Inside the NBA has a remarkable and unusually close bond for a cast in the television industry. Kenny Smith and Ernie had been together the longest through many changes. Charles Barkley joining the crew only strengthened their bond.

The three of them have been close for over two decades. Shaq then joined 12 years ago, finishing the puzzle’s missing piece. Ernie called their relationship the closest thing to having brothers. Ernie Johnson then bought up a touching moment he had with Shaquille O’Neal after Kobe Bryant tragically passed away in 2020.

Ernie Johnson said, “There was a moment too when Kobe passed. you know we did a show out in LA. Right there in the middle of the floor the…game had been canceled. But we were just going to spend that time talking about Kobe. And I remember Shaq on that night saying on the air that ‘I don’t say this enough to you guys, but I love you’…and we do.”

Ernie Johnson then said that the moment taught them that you don’t know how long you have. It was a pretty brutal reminder of it. This made him want to make sure that everything was alright between the four of them and the people he holds close.

Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven other people died in a horrific helicopter crash on January 26, 2020. Following an incredible career with the Lakers, Kobe retired in 2016. After his retirement, he was then enjoying life beyond basketball with his family and concentrating on coaching young athletes. They were on their way to the Mamba Sports Academy when the helicopter crashed. It was brought on by dense fog near Calabasas. His untimely death took a toll on Shaq who he had played with for years.

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While Kobe Bryant’s premature death serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the frailty of life, his legacy as an amazing athlete and his significant impact on and off the court will be remembered forever.