Triggering Shaquille O’Neal’s ‘Turbulent’ Bond With Kobe Bryant and Family, Memories of Hall of Famer’s “Little Brother” Reignited by 20 YO Son

NBA legends Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant shared a very close bond during their initial years with the Los Angeles Lakers. The Big Diesel was already a superstar and took Bryant under his wing. But things went south in the years that followed. The egos of the superstars played a part in their poor relationship despite winning three straight titles. Shaq then decided to leave. Thankfully, after their retirement, the duo mended things. They also developed a very good relationship with each other’s families. Recently, one of Shaq’s sons shared a throwback picture with the Black Mamba.

Notably, Shaq had Kobe’s back when he air-balled four times in the 1997 playoff elimination game against the Utah Jazz. Even though the Lakers were eliminated, O’Neal encouraged the young star. However, the relationship between the two soon soured.

Shaq’s son shares old memory with Kobe Bryant

Shaquille O’Neal has four children with his ex-wife Shaunie Henderson. The former couple separated in 2009 and divorced in 2011. Notably, O’Neal once accused Kobe Bryant as the reason behind the divorce. This was also a major reason behind their beef and added fuel to the fire. The issues between the duo continued even after O’Neal joined the Miami Heat. The first time they faced each other as opponents was a game to remember.

The two went back and forth trading buckets throughout the game. Notably, the former center came away with the win.

Shaq was also the first to win a title without the other. However, Kobe Bryant came back strong and won two without his former teammate’s help.

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They sat down and had a heart-to-heart discussion after their retirement. This brought them back together, and they remained close friends thereafter. They also spent time with each other’s family as well. Recently, Shaqir O’Neal shared a throwback image of him with Bryant on his Instagram story.

The picture is from August 2018 and it appears to have been taken during a basketball game. Shaqir captioned the post “Mamba mentality.” The five-time NBA champion was seen shaking hands with the teenager.

Shaquille O’Neal once accused Kobe Bryant

O’Neal called Bryant his “little brother” and was emotional about his passing. But this was after they mended fences. Earlier on in their careers, the two shared a nasty and very public feud.

Shaquille O’Neal once alleged Kobe Bryant ruined his marriage in a crowded nightclub.

Shaq was freestyling in the club and had some interesting things to rap about Bryant. He rapped, “…Kobe ratted me out. That’s why I’m here divorced…” 

He also talked trash about Kobe’s failure in the playoffs without him. However, that did not age well.

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