Shaquille O’Neal Joins Grieving NBA World in Honoring Kobe Bryant and Gigi on Death Anniversary

“Just know that we got your back, little brother, I’ll look after things down here…” Shaquille O’Neal’s words at Kobe Bryant’s memorial service were a testament to his love for Black mamba despite the complicated relationship they shared during their NBA careers. Big Diesel has again reflected this love for Kobe and Gigi Bryant — whom Shaq called his niece — on their 5th death anniversary.

Shaq shared a series of photos featuring some memorable moments between him and Kobe, including the Sports Illustrated magazine cover and multiple other highlight moments. The post also featured some of Gigi’s memorable moments alongside her father.

“Miss you lil bro & miss you too Gigi #missyall #neverfogotten,” Shaq wrote in the caption.

Big Diesel, however, is not the only one who could not hold back from taking it to Instagram to grieve the loss of Gigi and Kobe Bryant. Among other stars was Carmelo Anthony, who shared an image of him and Kobe on their Olympic outing. The post featuring two stars sharing a smile read “Sometimes you never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory,” in the caption.

Despite never playing on the same team in the league, Melo and Black Mamba shared immense mutual respect. “… Kobe says Carmelo is the toughest player he’s ever had to guard,” as shared by SLAM in 2019 is a testament to this.

Among multiple other names who dedicated a heartfelt post for the 5x NBA champ were Kevin Garnett, Baron Davis, Tony Allen, and Scottie Pippen.

In his IG post, Pippen emphasized Bryant’s legacy as not just a player but a father, friend, and fierce competitor. “Gigi was proof that greatness runs in the family, and the love you shared inspires all of us who are blessed to be girl dads. Your impact goes beyond basketball, and it always will. Rest in peace, my brother…” he wrote.

Kobe Bryant had a massive 20-year plan which the devastating tragedy ruined

When Bryant retired in 2016, fans wondered what the Black Mamba would do next. After dominating the NBA for two decades, he didn’t just plan to slow down—he planned to transform. Matt Barnes offered a glimpse into Black Mamba’s ambitious vision during the UNINTERRUPTED Film Fest in 2024.

Barnes shared a moment that feels almost poetic now. Sitting in Kobe’s office before his final interview, the Los Angeles Lakers legend told him something that still resonates: his next 20 years would make people forget his time in the NBA. Think about that for a second—forget an 18-time All-Star career? But knowing Kobe, it’s easy to believe. “He was so intelligent and so adamant about being the greatest in the business space,” Barnes recalled.

And Kobe wasn’t just dreaming big; he was already putting in the work. His investments in companies like Dell, Alibaba, Epic Games, and Body Armor showed a sharp business acumen. Then there was Granity Studios, the award-winning content company that proved his creativity extended far beyond the basketball court.

What’s even more fascinating is how Kobe Bryant planned to carry over his legendary work ethic. Barnes revealed that the 5-time champion intended to swap early gym sessions for emails and meetings—but the 4:30 a.m. wake-up calls? Those were staying.

It’s bittersweet to imagine where Kobe’s unstoppable drive would’ve taken him. Two decades of that Mamba mentality in the business world? The possibilities could have been endless.