Shaquille O’Neal never got over losing Kobe Bryant in 2020 but that loss was also felt by his kids. It probably was greater for his youngest daughter, Me’Arah. Shaq and Kobe had a little thing in common as dads – their daughters were born on the same day. Me’Arah is now the last O’Neal to leave the nest, starting college at the University of Florida. Gianna “Gigi” Bryant would’ve been in college too, possibly at UConn, and a potential rival to Meezy. Since losing her friend, Meezy is one of those keeping her close in spirit. A tradition she’s now keeping through college.

After moving from Houston to Gainesville this month, Me’Arah had an informal AMA on her Instagram stating, “long time no speak, was goodyyyy.” Referring to her official pictorials in Gators uniform, a fan commented, “Play 4 Gigi Always.” Me’Arah, who turned 18 on May 1, reiterated, “Always,” with a bandaged heart emoji.

Since committing to Florida in November 2023, and since making her college debut, Me’Arah is sticking to her homage to Gigi by wearing #2 as a Gator. Disregarding her dad’s #32 or #34, Me’Arah also wore Gigi’s number at Episcopal High School where she led the Knights to a state title.

Where #8 and #24 are associated with Kobe Bryant, #2 is now synonymous with Gigi in basketball circles. Born on May 1, 2006 (same as Meezy), Gianna outdid her dad as a multi-sport athlete. She wore #2, her favorite soccer player Sydney Leroux’s number, while playing youth soccer and basketball. Harbor Day School, which she attended, retired her jersey number 2 in 2020.

Basketball was going to be Gigi’s sport of choice for the future. Before her young life was cut short at 13, she was keen on playing for the Huskies. She and Kobe often went to their games and Gigi had her own Huskies merch. If things were different, we might have seen Gigi and Meezy square off on the court during the NCAA Tournament.

Me’Arah O’Neal sticks to her promise

Shaq and Kobe were no longer teammates by the time O’Neal’s sixth kid and Bryant’s second of four were born. On May 1, 2006, Bryant beat Phoenix in overtime before heading to the hospital for Gigi’s birth. According to reports back then, she was born at 2:03 a.m. Over in Miami, Shaq welcomed his future WNBA star, Me’Arah Sanaa O’Neal at 4:57 am. The O’Neal kid is six minutes older than her West Coast friend.

The NBA stars’ relationship became bittersweet since O’Neal left the Lakers. But their daughters were tight. Shaunie showed that as both Kobe and Gigi were watching a then 13-year-old Me’Arah’s game a day before the fatal crash. Me’Arah reshared her mother’s post writing, “I knew y’all was watching over me.” She also revealed that she got to speak to Kobe who said she had improved. They had made plans to work out in the gym too.

She referred to Gianna as her twin in that post. She ended a lengthy tribute to Gigi writng, “May ur legacy go on… I’mma represent you in every way I can.” Wearing Gigi’s number as a Gator makes Meezy’s vow come true.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud, Caitlin Clark’s Olympic snub, and more, watch this video.