Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant are arguably the most devastating duo in the history of the NBA. As a 1-2 punch, not many can claim to be on the same level as Kobe and Shaq. They dominated the league for 3 straight seasons from 2000 to 2002, winning a three-peat and looking unbeatable in the process. They had their problems with one another during that time, but nothing they didn’t eventually sort out after retirement.
Since Kobe’s untimely passing, Shaq has often paid tribute to his former teammate and friend. He has praised everything that Bryant was, saying no one in the modern game even compares to his greatness. And it’s evident how much respect O’Neal has for the memory of the Mamba every time that he talks about him. Kobe’s drive, passion, and his willingness to work were all incredibly important in making him who he was.
During their relationship, though, things weren’t exactly as peachy. Shaq knew what to say and do to get under Kobe’s skin, and he admittedly went ahead and did those things too.
Shaquille O’Neal Revealed How He Would Taunt Kobe Bryant, Explained What Motivated Them
In a recent interview with Patrick Bet David Of Valuetainment, Shaq addressed Kobe and what things were like when the two of them were teammates. Shaq was the bigger star at the time, something he would remind Kobe of, keeping in mind that Kobe’s goal was to become the best in the history of the sport. He did also explain and compliment Kobe’s work ethic though.
“He was alien-like,” O’Neal said. “When he was 18, he used to be in the locker room dribbling and shooting without the ball for hours. And then you see him practice the same move on the court. Like, he was obsessed with being the best ever. I was obsessed with being the most dominant, he was obsessed with being the best ever, and sometimes you sacrificed a lot of things, and he did. All he did was work out.
“And I knew all he did was work out, so I used to push his buttons all the time, because I knew what I was going to give you,” O’Neal said. “So if I know I could have somebody else that can give similar and more, I was definitely going to win. So, I was always the guy that presses buttons. The audience thought that it was a personal thing, we hated each other, but no, it was me and my leadership style and what I chose to do to get him to perform at a higher level.
“This ain’t your team, this is my team little man. You might be Kobe, but I’m The Shaq.”
There has never been a more talented and enigmatic duo than Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal. Two players who could have both gone down as the best to ever do it, some problems between them were always likely. But it’s the memory of the magical and dominant basketball they produced together that will stay even after the stories of any potential disagreements are gone.
