Shaquille O’Neal, Who Once Slapped Kobe Bryant, Got Real on Alleged “Beef” With Deceased Legend

Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant were one of the best players in the 2000s. Together they both formed one of the best duos to ever play in the NBA. However, Shaq and Kobe did struggle at the start of their partnership, but it became smooth with time. They were like brothers and even after the disagreements, they sorted it out in their retirement. 

Shaquille O’Neal still always keeps Kobe Bryant in the highest regard. Whenever he talks about him, it just shows how good they both were. Even when talking about their disputes, Shaq always mentions how it was never anything personal, but just misunderstandings. He always says that it was just the case of two brothers fighting.

Shaq once talked about his alleged “beef” with Kobe. He talked about how one most important dynamic which was connected to the two players was leadership. Shaq believed there can only be one leader. He thought that you can not be a good leader if the players do not trust and respect you. So that is why he always used to challenge everybody. And that’s where things with Kobe got a little complicated.

WATCH THIS STORY: Kobe Bryant’s top scoring games for the Lakers.

Shaq said, “I knew Kobe could take it. And I knew that if you upset him, he’s sort of like me. You know he’ll try to prove you wrong. And you know crazy thing about it is, people always say, ‘oh well don’t you wish you and Kobe could have worked out?’ We did work out, won three out of four.”

“The key word is respect. Like me and you could have a respectful disagreement, I’m not going to beat you up, like I was never going to beat him up.”

Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant’s brotherhood

This is no secret that Shaq and Kobe had some hurdles in their relationship as teammates and as friends. But at the same time, everyone knows the bond the two Lakers’ legends share. They were well and truly brothers and Shaq always make sure to remember him. They were like brothers also because they fought like brothers. Even if in a heated moment Shaq once slapped Kobe, it never hindered their progress as teammates. 

Shaq slapped Kobe across the face, and Kobe abused Shaq. They fought during the pickup practice game. The incident started and finished there and then.

Also read: NBA Veteran Recalled Shaquille O’Neal Once Slapped Kobe Bryant, Hints at the Late Legend Having More Power at Lakers

People often talk about what if Shaq never left the Lakers and the duo remained together for more years. But Shaq had the perfect answer for that. He believes that he much rather finds in happiness that he and Kobe won a three-peat in their time together. He says that it is a much better story than if they stayed together for more years without winning more titles. Shaq always remembers the good times with his brother Kobe and that is wholesome of the big man.