This rare footage shows Shaquille O’Neal telling Kobe Bryant to change his Michael Jordan outfit after achieving a historic feat for the Los Angeles Lakers. However, Kobe instantly denies Shaq’s request and continues to celebrate with a cigar in his mouth, wearing a Bulls apparel, as MJ did after every championship win.

On the other hand, Shaquille O’Neal appears calm and collected for somebody who just won three Finals MVP in a row.

Afterward, the dynamic duo continued to celebrate the Lakers‘ historic feat by taking pictures and playfully joking with each other.

Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant achieve the impossible

In the year 2002, Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant achieved what many thought is impossible to repeat. They replicated Michael Jordan and the Bulls’ three-peat feat in spectacular fashion. This rare footage shows the celebrations following that.

Kobe tried to follow in MJ’s footsteps from a very early age. In fact, he tried to emulate his moves, copy his demeanor, follow his workout regimen, and most importantly adopt his killer mindset. Therefore, it’s hardly surprising that he would celebrate like MJ after replicating his most memorable achievement.

Read More: Michael Jordan Was Once Brought to Tears By a 4-Year-Old Child Before Bulls Game

However, the idea of Kobe wearing the Bulls uniform failed to impress Shaquille O’Neal. In fact, the Big Man didn’t want anybody else to steal their well-deserved thunder, “You take that jersey off. Put your own jersey on, playa“.

Shaq and Kobe’s amazing partnership

Shaq and Kobe weren’t best friends by any stretch of the imagination. In fact, they often locked heads with each other. But they had a unique relationship built on mutual respect and an insatiable hunger to win championships.

As a result, they complemented each other in many ways. Kobe often called out Shaq’s lack of rigorous work ethic. On the other hand, Shaq held Kobe accountable for his ball-hogging and selfishness on the court. Together, they formed one of the greatest duos in basketball history, if not the greatest.

Their mutual respect is displayed well in this clip. After winning, Shaquille O’Neal says to Kobe, “Congratulations, the greatest“. And Kobe replies with, “Congratulations, the most dominant“.

Watch this Story: WARRIORS VS CELTICS GAME 5 HIGHLIGHTS

However, their partnership would end after The Big Diesel’s departure to Miami in 2004. O’Neal would win one more championship in 2006, and Bryant would win two more, in 2009 and 2010.