Shaquille O’Neal Gets Nostalgic Over 24YO Kobe Bryant Throwback That Led to Their First Title

Be it at concerts or in interviews, Shaquille O’Neal often reminisces about his days with Kobe Bryant. The Lakers legend isn’t forgotten. From their first championship together in 2000 to winning co-MVP honors in 2009, every moment is memorable. Speaking of one such moment from the past, when the two began their historic journey, the Big Aristotle got emotional. But it wasn’t from holding a championship trophy.

In this heartwarming 24-year-old picture, the 4x NBA champ is seen piggybacking an injured Bryant. During the latest episode of The Tonight Show, with Shaq as the guest, many stories came to the fore. However, the one that tugged at fans’ heartstrings was this particular photo. Despite having his “ankle twisted,” Shaq said, “Kobe was probably one of the toughest kids I’ve ever met. I knew he was gonna play.”

It was from Game 3 of the 2000 NBA Finals. O’Neal, moved by his dedication, showed his support by carrying him to prevent further strain on his ankle. “I didn’t want him wearing his ankle out. He had just had a great game. I had a great game. We were winning. We were up. We were happy,” Shaq said on The Tonight Show. “I was like, ‘Let me carry you to the arena, get your treatment because I need you to do what you do tonight,” O’Neal recalled. Once again, Shaq emphasized his belief that there will never be another duo like them.

Both O’Neal and Bryant had faith in each other. They’ve often mentioned that had Shaq stayed with the Lakers a few more years, they could have won at least two more championships. Not just the duo, fans tend to agree as well.

While their brief feud kept them apart for some time, the two eventually reunited.

Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant came together again for the All-Star Game 

After a disagreement over salary and some other unknown reasons, O’Neal decided to leave the Lakers. He joined the Miami Heat and went on to win a championship title in 2006, while the Los Angeles Lakers struggled to find their footing. It seemed there was some bad blood between the two.

The 4-time NBA champ even once teased Bryant for not winning the championship in 2008. And there were a few more such instances. However, there was finally some hope in 2009. The dynamic duo Shaq and Kobe were seen back in action together, and that’s what mattered. The 15-time NBA All-Star O’Neal was voted in by 1.8 million people, while Bryant received 2.8 million votes.

Both Bryant and O’Neal played for Team West, which ended up winning the All-Star game. And with that, the long-standing feud between the two was finally laid to rest. As O’Neal said before, this dynamic, “controversial” and “enigmatic” duo can’t be replicated!

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.