Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal formed one of the most dominant duos the NBA has ever seen. At the start of the century, the Mamba and Big Diesel enjoyed a run unlike any other. After a three-peat, they fell a whisker short of securing a first-in-history four-peat of championships. Regardless of some locker-room issues, the two became the gold standard for a guard and center partnership. While those issues eventually forced the Los Angeles Lakers to trade away Shaquille O’Neal, their run together is forever immortalized in basketball history.

Recently, an old throwback clip of the pair was making the rounds online. And, the fans went gaga over the pair’s camaraderie at their peak.

Shaquille O’Neal helped Kobe Bryant accept his identity

It is well-known how much Bean idolized Michael Jordan. Whether it was the movement, the attitude, or most importantly, the playstyle, Kobe was Jordan after Jordan. With that mindset came the pressure of living up to no. 23’s legacy. However, as Kobe proved along the way, he was more than capable. And Shaq was one of the first to help him realize that.

So, after winning their third straight ring together, Kobe and Shaq were hanging out. Shaq, in trademark fashion, was in a funky beige jumpsuit while Kobe donned a bulls shirt over an MJ jersey.

The video, posted on fan account ‘LakeShowYo’, displays an iconic interaction. Diesel’s first words to the Mamba were, “Congratulations to the greatest!” As Kobe responded with, “Congratulations to the most dominant,” Shaq took note of Bryant’s attire.

O’Neal immediately said, “You can take that jersey off now. Put your own jersey on.” In a way, that moment became Kobe shedding off the Michael Jordan-lite image and becoming his own player. From there on, Bean went on to play some of the most dominant basketball of his life, culminating in 2 more championships in ’09 and 2010.

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As fans took in the video, they were reminiscent of the duo and the legend of their time together.

Fans pour their heart out for Bean and Diesel

Though most fans knew about this video, some who hadn’t seen this particular interaction before were left teary-eyed.

Having two all-time players on the same team is rare. While Batman and Robin narratives keep forming throughout history, Bean and Diesel were the first ever case of Batman and Superman.

Another fan was quick to point out how Kobe took Shaq’s words to heart, even wearing his jersey to the parade.

A lot of fans echo this particular user’s comments that no. 8 and no. 34 were the greatest NBA pairing of all time.

Though their relationship saw many ups and downs, the beginning and the end were absolutely heartwarming. As Shaq continues to remember Kobe, either on TNT or in general, their bond lives on. If nothing else, those banners they put up, sure look sweet in the Lakers rafters. We miss you, Kobe. Rest In Power. Mamba Out.

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