“These Boys Are Crazy”: Former Lakers Player Reveals Shaq Offered Him $10,000 to Fight Kobe Bryant

Feuds between NBA players are not uncommon, especially when both parties are really good at their game and want the spotlight. Such was the case with NBA legends Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant.

When Shaq tried the lesser road to get Kobe Bryant out of his way

In a recent episode of the ‘All The Smoke’ podcast hosted by  Stephen Jackson and Matt Barnes, Isiah ‘J.R’. Rider recalled one of Shaquille O’Neal’s worst doings.

According to Rider, Shaq tried to pay him to go start a fight with Kobe when Rider had just joined the Los Angeles Lakers.

Letting no time go waste, Shaq made Rider an offer three days into practice with the Lakers. Rider said that Shaq told him that he would get $10,000 if he would “get into it “ with Bryant. Rider seemed to not believe Shaq.  According to Rider, Shaq tried to convince him further. He said,

“There’s 10 G’s in one-dollar bills, if you ever get into it and you handle your business, grab that…”

Thankfully, Rider realized that if he did anything to mess with Kobe, he would be off the Lakers team in a jiffy.

“I’m like ‘Man, these boys are crazy, bro’…But this is my thing: I would’ve been off that team so fast if I laid a hand on that man,” he told the podcast hosts.

It was common knowledge that Shaq and Kobe both wanted the spotlight of the Lakers roster. Unfortunately, their on-court chemistry did not reflect off the court.

When they were teammates on the Los Angeles Lakers team, Shaquille O’Neal and the late Kobe Bryant won three consecutive NBA championships. They played together on the Lakers from 1996 to 2004. After this, Shaq joined the Miami Heat. Kobe remained with the Lakers until the end of his career.

Once both of them retired, their relationship began to mend. The always had respect for each other regardless of their personal differences.

Kobe died in a tragic helicopter crash on January 26, 2020, along with his daughter Gianna and seven others who were on board. Shaq gave a very moving tribute speech in which he let the world know that he felt as if he lost a little brother.