Yesterday was supposed to be Kobe Bryant’s 42nd birthday. It was his first birthday since he passed away, so obviously the world paid a lot of tributes to the Black Mamba, remembering as the winner and the positive influence he was for all of us.
His former teammates and friends were clearly moved by Kobe’s birthday. Pau Gasol shared an emotional post on his Instagram account, Allen Iverson shared a clip on his Twitter account, and many others paid their respects to the Mamba.
Then again, it was Shaquille O’Neal the one who made us shed a tear or two. He shared a pic of both of them with gray hair and wrinkles, claiming he wished that was in the future:
"I wish this moment would be true." 😢
-Shaq
(Via @shiftrefresh ) pic.twitter.com/CHApFVJBuT
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 24, 2020
“Somebody posted a picture of old me and old Kobe. I contacted him and I got it blown up. I got like three or four-five wishes. I wish my sister was still here and I wish my father was still here. But I wish this could be in the future.Us talking about good old times and my grandson doing this and my grandson vs. your grandson. I just wish that moment could be true,” an emotional Shaq said.
Kobe and Shaq had plenty of backs-and-forths throughout his playing days but their relationship was actually pretty good. They respected and loved each other and their families were pretty close. The Big Diesel was devastated to hear the news about Kobe’s passing and it hasn’t been any easier ever since.
I think I can speak for all basketball fans around the world when I say that we also wish that would be in the future. 7 months later, we still can’t believe the Black Mamba is truly gone.
My goodness…thank you @SHAQ & the @NBAonTNT crew! Absolute bucket list stuff! 🐍❤🏀🕛 #MambaForever pic.twitter.com/gBRj2o3JfV
— LEE OLSΞN 🏀 (@shiftrefresh) August 24, 2020
