NBA legend Shaquille O?Neal may be a father and a family man now, but that was not always the case. During his bachelor life, Shaq surely lived it up large. And during Shaq’s stint in Los Angeles, being the centerpiece of the Los Angeles Lakers organization entailed clubbing, partying, and drinking. However, that was not something that impressed his former teammate, Kobe Bryant. Hence, friction ensued between the two superstars.

Shaq and Kobe went on to become one of the deadliest duos in NBA history. The two played really well together and complemented each other?s game on the floor. However, that is where Kobe drew the line.

Phil Jackson on the issues between Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal

On the court, Kobe and Shaq may have had undeniable chemistry, but that wasn?t the case off the court. O?Neal?s documentary, which is currently streaming on HBO, extensively covered one factor that may have led to the fallout between the two legends.

Shaquille O?Neal was gifted with athletic abilities that helped him on the floor. Kobe, on the other hand, became great through his insane work ethic. And that is where these two players did not meet eye to eye at all.

In episode three of Shaq?s documentary, former Lakers coach Phil Jackson spoke about the relationship between these two superstars. Jackson said, ?There had been friction before I got there, so that had to be remedied.?

?Shaq wanted to be his big brother, and Kobe said, ?I don?t need a brother.? They were gonna be separate and different right off the start. Kobe said, ?I?m not interested in spinner hubcaps or girls or whatever?s going on there. I?m interested in basketball.?”

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Kobe’s ‘girls and parties’ reference implied O’Neal’s habits of clubbing, drinking, and hanging out with women in LA’s nightlife. That was something that wasn’t not Kobe’s style, since he was more focused on his craft and winning championships for the team.

Shaq and Kobe parted ways

Kobe Bryant was hardcore when it came to his work ethic. He did not let anything divert his attention from the task at hand. O?Neal, on the other hand, was a fun-loving player who liked to joke around from time to time.

These two players had very different personalities, but somehow made it work on the floor. However, their dominant run eventually came to an end after the two players went on to win three consecutive championships for the Los Angeles Lakers.

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O?Neal left the Lakers and joined Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat where he won another NBA championship. Kobe chose to stay with the Lakers and build his own dynasty. He ended up winning two more NBA championships with the team.