Undoubtedly, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal make one of the most famous duos in the league’s history. In their eight seasons together, they would bring three championships to the Lakers’ history. However, Derek Fisher played the most games alongside Kobe (1037), and Bryant called him his favorite teammate. So who better to spill the beans? When exactly did the crack in the partnership between the two superstars of the game appear?

Appearing on Podcast P with Paul George, the former point guard was asked about a teammate’s view of the tension between Kobe and Shaq and how early it had begun. Having joined the Lakers the same year as the two stars, Fisher had a picture of the dynamic right from the start. He reveals that The Big Diesel had taken on the role of a big brother very early on, wishing to help Kobe develop. But as years went on, Kobe’s Mamba mentality would take over.

“I think Kobe really felt like he was being asked to sacrifice a little too much,” Fisher notes, speaking of the beginning of the rift in 2000-01. “You have to remember, Kobe saw himself and ultimately became one of the GOATs and none of the guys on the list were the ‘second guy.'” The 5x champion believes that being in another’s shadow — Shaq in this case — wasn’t it for the Black Mamba if he wanted to be the best; more so when he was putting in all the efforts, not exactly match by his teammate.

“So I think, Kobe started to feel like, ‘in order for me to be the GOAT that I know I’m capable of accessing, I’m willing to put the time in. I’m willing to wake up at 4 in the morning. No sleep, train hard, play in every game, play through injuries, do everything to become one of the greatest players of all time. Why am I being asked to do less and be less when my teammate that is capable of just as much greatness isn’t maybe investing that much time and energy?'” Fisher reveals.

Kobe himself has stated about his problems with Shaq’s work ethic. He even claimed he would have won 12 rings if the Big Aristotle focused on his routine. That is what Derek Fisher explained on Podcast P.  After the first season, Kobe Bryant wanted to take over while Shaquille O’Neal remained the focal point as per the coach’s plan. Which the Lakers #24 did not like one bit. Even Shaq disliked his former teammates’ ball-hogging abilities. But both of them ended up winning three championships despite those issues.

Shaquille O’Neal explains his stance on the beef

“I love Kobe, you know we had a lot of disagreements. But if I had it all over to do it again, I’d probably do it the same way because he pushed me and I pushed him, and the respect was there.” The 4x NBA Champion has always maintained that the respect between the two was always there. Even if they would end up arguing. That is why Shaq changed his way with Dwyane Wade and won another championship with the Miami Heat.

However, once Shaquille O’Neal recalled what the people missed out on observing about his relationship with Kobe Bryant. “If you go back to the first championship, there’s 15,000 people in the arena, but the 100 people on the floor. I put my hand up, who’s the first person jumping in my arm?”

And Diesel wouldn’t be wrong. As he raised both his arms in the air, finger pointing, it was Kobe Bryant who came running and hugged him. But it was the second season when things changed for the duo. As Fischer pointed out, repeating the championship had its usual challenge, but the task got heavier as the two superstars ended up feuding.