Amid Will Smith’s $350 Million Hollywood Success, Ambitious 18YO Kobe Bryant Made an “LA Promise” to Shaquille O’Neal

Kobe Bryant was undeniably a force during his time with the Los Angeles Lakers. It was his mentality and passion that ignited him to play with such force. It was ultimately his dream that he was chasing with such focus. However, as a young player who was drafted into the league straight out of high school, his dreams stood as a bit outrageous and bold to his teammate Shaquille O’Neal.

O’Neal has previously expressed his regrets over a beef with the late legend. However, that didn’t mean they had a bad relationship altogether. He still cherishes the time he spent in the Lakers. In an interview, he spoke about the late legend.

Shaquille O’Neal talks about 18-year-old Kobe Bryant

The budding player had a dream to chase in the NBA world. While O’Neal didn’t believe the bold words coming out from the young player, Bryant ultimately went on to prove him wrong. Before everything went south with their feud, young Kobe made a promise to the big man. A promise to become the $350 million worth Hollywood star Will Smith of the NBA.

As O’Neal recalled his time with Kobe, he said, “I remember him at 18 years old, telling me he going to be the William Smith of the NBA.” While he could not believe him at first, he later admitted as he said, “But he had a dream he had a vision, and he went for it.”

This yet again proved that the Lakers legend is a true inspiration for his fellow players and generations to come.

O’Neal and Bryant were the two power players who led the Lakers to three consecutive championships in the years 2000, 2001 and 2002. However, the feud between the two players saw O’Neal depart the Lakers in 2004. 

READ MORE: “Glitchy” Shaquille O’Neal Gets the Better of Kobe Bryant in Resurfaced Clip, Leaving 20-Year Son and Fans in Fits

However, the 4-time champion revealed that the real reason behind leaving the Lakers was due to a pay cut.

Shaquille O’Neal’s bold claim

Following his exit, Shaq demanded a trade to the Miami Heat, where he won his fourth championship alongside Dwyane Wade. However, people still wonder what would have happened if the big Aristotle had stayed with the Lakers back in 2004. 

When in the interview O’Neal was questioned about the same, he stated that they would have won 7 championships together. He also revealed if it were not for the ego issue, he would have wanted to stay in the Lakers for the rest of his life.

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Can you imagine Shaq and Bryant winning 7 championships together? It would have been a historic moment in the league for sure. What are your thoughts on the duo that wasn’t? Tell us in the comments!