The thing that Shaquille O’Neal regretted most after the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant was not having spoken enough to the legend. ‘I wish I could say something to him again,’ the 4X NBA champ was devastated as he opened up his heart after Kobe’s passing. So years in, Shaq often fondly reminisces about his former teammate during special events and DJ nights. 23rd of this month, of course, wouldn’t be missed out. 

After making strides in his DJ career and EDM debut, DJ Diesel presented a 360 DJ set in Shrine, Expo Hall, L.A., delivering the most enchanting and energetic performance for the 6,300 Angelenos. With Rated R and Celo, this event was held on Friday night, Bryant’s 46th birthday. 

“Happy Birthday Kobe, Looks like we took another championship in LA. 💜 💛 What better way to celebrate than a 360 set at a sold out @shrinela with the best teammates a guy can ask for. Gotta shoutout everyone who made this night a perfect success,” O’Neal wrote in his IG post.

This was not a simple one. It was yet another collaboration with his millionaire son, Myles O’Neal, a star DJ himself, and his first time 360 DJ set. 

LeBron James, Magic Johnson, Pau Gasol, and many others also took to social media to pour out their hearts in celebration and honor of the late legend alongside Shaq. And well, as suggested, this wouldn’t be the first grand gesture the 7’1″ giant has made in tribute to his former teammate. 

Shaquille O’Neal got emotional talking about Kobe Bryant 

Back in 2020, as usual, while O’Neal hosted his annual Super Bowl party, he gave a nod to the 5x NBA champ. The Shaq Fun House event in Miami saw numerous attendees join in. The crowd chanted Bryant’s name the whole night as they watched the replicas of Bryant’s iconic jerseys hang from the ceiling. 

Pitbull and rapper Diddy, who performed “I’ll Be Missing You,” in honor of Kobe, were part of the event. The Los Angeles Lakers legend was initially unsure about holding the event, but after considering it from Kobe’s perspective, he decided to move ahead with the celebration. “Part of me wanted to stay to myself as I reflect what my brother and his family mean to me and my family. Kobe would want us to push through and celebrate life. So lets do just that,” O’Neal said to the fans.

The proceeds from the event were donated to the Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Foundation and to the families affected by the tragic helicopter crash. 

Celebrating life, Shaq is.

Following his 360 DJ set event, O’Neal will have to gear up for the biggest event ever, the second edition of SHAQ’S BASS ALL-STARS FESTIVAL. He recently expressed his excitement, sharing that all the tickets are already sold out. The event will be held on November 16. O’Neal may have a hectic year, but he isn’t forgetting to celebrate Bryant or others, ever. 

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.