Shaquille O’Neal Unveils Unbelievable Message From Kobe Bryant During NBA Finals as Favorite Memory

Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. One dreams of a partnership like theirs. The duo was arguably one of the best in the NBA, winning a three-peat together. Additionally, they were hyper-competitive and always wanted to outdo one another.

Shaq was in the league for 4 years before joining the Lakers. He played for the Orlando Magic and had already established himself as a player to be feared. On the other hand, the Lakers had just drafted Kobe. They were adamant to sign him and it was clear why. Despite complications at the start, Kobe knew he and Shaq would make history.

Kobe and Shaq dominated for almost all the years they played together. As a result, they won the NBA championship three times in a row and bossed the early 2000s. Shaq has always loved Kobe despite their professional differences and it is always special when he talks of him.

Also read: Shaq and Kobe’s wholesome relationship.

Shaquille O’Neal reveals what Kobe Bryant told him when Shaq was nervous

On The Pivot Podcast, Shaq shared a story about Kobe that always makes him smile. The story he is very fond of and it made him realize that Kobe was indeed the best player in the league at the time.

“Our first year after we had the scare in Portland but now we’re in the finals. I fall out. — I’m nervous because I’m like f*** we don’t win. I already know it’s coming here. We up three and they tie this, we’re going to be in trouble. Everybody’s panicking on the bench and Kobe goes [calming gestures]. I’m like [confused] and he whispers, ‘I got you big dog’. That’s what he says. A little five, six minutes I’m on the bench. Like I knew he was nice. I’m like damn I’m like he went crazy and then I got the press card and said [kobe is] the best player in the world. Yes. Oh yeah, — gonna tell you they’re gonna like Michael’s like that but anybody that’s gonna [say] ‘watch this’ and they do it and he was like that.” shared Shaq.

WATCH THIS STORY: Things to learn from Kobe’s Mamba mentality.

Shaq also shared how Kobe was the first one to train and literally the last one out. Even when Kobe missed games, especially during his rookie season, he used to practice without the ball and used to work on his hands and movement and get everything right. Shaq remembered Kobe as someone who was determined to be better than everyone else. People thought he was crazy and Kobe actually was crazy, to become the best.