Kobe Bryant’s Untimely Death Gave Shaquille O’Neal a Traumatizing Thought He’s Still Recovering From

Shaquille O’Neal, the legendary Lakers center, has always been candid with his thoughts. He never shies away from expressing his thoughts. Shaq has started his own podcast and releases an episode every week. The most recent episode had an Ask Me Anything session, which turned emotional because of a question on Kobe Bryant.

During an episode of his podcast, Shaq’s fellow host asked him when was the last time he cried. Shaq mentioned his sister’s and Kobe’s name. When prodded further, Shaq had a somber response. He said, “My excuse is I will do it later… with Kobe, could have text… Like even if you don’t call just send a text”. He added, “That’s the last time… I will always say to myself why“.

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Shaq usually doesn’t show his emotions on a public platform and it was one of the first times to see him in this situation. It was also heartwarming to see that Shaq still loves and remembers Kobe so lovingly.

Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant- The Dynamic Duo

The Orlando Magic selected Shaq first overall in the 1992 NBA Draft. He had a fruitful four-year stint with the Orlando Magic. He also went to the NBA Finals in 1995 with the Magic. But his relationship with the management and the local media went south. And he signed with the Lakers in the summer of 1996, the same year Lakers gained Kobe on the draft day. Kobe and Shaq formed a great partnership but couldn’t get over the playoff hump in the early years. It all changed when legendary coach Phil Jackson came to LA.

His arrival kick-started a championship run for the Lakers and they won three straight NBA Championships from 2000 to 2002. Shaq won the NBA Finals MVP during each of those campaigns but Kobe became the second leader of the team too.

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But eventually, Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe’s relationship started to break down and in 2004 it reached a point where Shaq demanded to be traded. They later mended their relationship but one of basketball’s biggest what if remained. What if Kobe and Shaq never broke up? Comment your views below.