Shaquille O’Neal, Who Slapped Kobe Bryant and Wrote “How My A** Taste” to Spite Him, Spins a Different Narrative About their Beef All these Years Late

When Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal were feuding, it was one of the most talked about topics in the NBA. And their rivalry wasn’t pretty to watch. But despite Shaq slapping Kobe once and writing a message just to spite him after Kobe won his fourth title, they made up in the end. However, Shaq has a very different narrative on what their beef was all about.

Back in 1998, the NBA was in a lockout. And one time during the Los Angeles Lakers scrimmage, Kobe and

Shaq got into it. They were really heated and were arguing as well. And then Shaq slapped Kobe on the head. And their teammates had to separate the two players.

During their feud, Shaq once addressed Kobe in a rap lyric asking him “how my a** taste.” The media covered their long-lasting feud extensively.

However, Shaq later on interpreted their feud in a completely different light.

Shaquille O’Neal reveals he used to push the buttons of Kobe Bryant to make him mad

In a recent interview, Shaq revealed that his feud with Kobe was largely constructed by him to push the Mamba’s buttons. According to the Big Diesel, he used to insult the five-time NBA champion on purpose to provide him with added motivation.

READ MORE: “Your Kidneys Are Kind of Weak”: Addicted to Painkillers, Shaquille O’Neal Was Warned of Possible Death by a Doctor

Shaq says that he wanted to be the most dominant ever and Kobe wanted to be the best ever. And he says that Kobe sacrificed a lot to win. He also adds that all Kobe used to do was work out.

Shaquille O’Neal stated, “The audience thought that it was a personal thing we hated to each other, but no. It was me and my leadership style and what I chose to do to get him to perform at a higher level.”

And what Shaq did seem to work. The duo won three titles in a row and built one of the greatest dynasties ever with the Lakers.

In his eulogy at Kobe Bryant’s memorial, Shaq claimed that his feud with Kobe was a fabrication to trick the media. In the fact, the two of them maintained a deep level of respect for each other.

WATCH THIS STORY: Stephen Curry’s 2k rating over the years

Kobe and Shaq cemented their place as one of the greatest ever duos in NBA History. Despite what happened in the past, Shaq does have a different narrative than what has been known for some time now.