Kobe Bryant Once Admitted Details of a Fist Fight With 7 Ft Giant Shaquille O’Neal: “I Was Not Backing Down”

Kobe Bryant has been regarded by many as one of the greatest scorers of all time. The ‘Mamba’ dominated the game for 20 years for the Lakers. Furthermore, he secured five titles for the ‘Purple and Gold’, three of which came alongside Shaquille O’Neal.

Added to these are the 81 point performance and an MVP award in 2008. These are just a few examples of several moments that fans witnessed while Kobe played for the Lakers.

However, there are several moments that Kobe has had with his teammates behind the scenes. On one occasion, Kobe sat down in an interview and spoke about a moment never seen before – a fist fight with Shaq.

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Kobe Bryant sheds light on his fist fight with Shaq

In an interview for Valutainment with Patrick Bet-David, Kobe Bryant shed light on the fist fight he had with Shaq.

“I knew for sure Rick Fox, my teammates they all thought I was absolutely crazy the day me and Shaq got in a fist fight,” said Kobe.

“I’m not backing down. You either whoop my a**, or we’re gonna have a night,” added Kobe.

These statements by Kobe were made as an example where Bryant proved to Shaq and others on his team that respect was to be given to everyone, regardless of age or experience. Kobe also went to add that the fight itself changed Shaq’s perspective.

It showed that Kobe was a fighter and could help the team win. Thereafter, Kobe even narrated an incident where he took jump shots as opposed to passing the ball to Shaq down in the low-post area since Shaq was having a poor shooting night.

Kobe with the Lakers

While enjoying 20 seasons with the Lakers, fans were treated to several memorable moments. From scoring to leadership, and from winning titles and finishing dead last, fans have seen it all. But the love shown by Lakers fans for the legend has not changed.

Apart from this, the ‘Mamba’ inspired those who came after him. They looked at him not just to learn basketball moves such as footwork, movement, and decision making, but also leadership and fearlessness, so that they could bring those qualities to their respective teams.

Even though Kobe brought the winning mentality to the Lakers, things are looking bleak in Los Angeles this season. The Lakers sit 9th in the West with a slim chance to even make a deep playoff run.

Do you think the Lakers will win the NBA title this year? Let us know in the comments below.

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