Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal didn’t always have a great relationship together. The duo had incredible chemistry together in their initial years playing together and found a lot of success in Los Angeles. Shaq and Kobe helped the Lakers win 3 NBA championships between 2000 and 2002.
But by 2003-04, Kobe and Shaq’s relationship had disintegrated significantly. The duo barely spoke, and the Lakers lost to the Detroit Pistons in the 2004 NBA Finals. After the Finals, Shaq and Kobe realized they could not play together and Shaq was traded to the Miami Heat, and Kobe started again with the Lakers.
A few years passed, and the two found success with other teammates. Shaq won an NBA championship in 2006 with Dwyane Wade, and Kobe won 2 NBA championships playing next to Pau Gasol on the Lakers. It appeared that some time away from each other helped, and they forged a better relationship.
13 years ago today, Shaq & Kobe were named co-MVPs of the 2009 NBA All-Star Game.
Great video of Shaq thanking Kobe for letting him give the trophy to Shareef. pic.twitter.com/pH3mYCBSZ6
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) February 15, 2022
At the 2009 NBA All-Star game, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal played together on the Western All-Star team. It was the first time the two had played together as teammates, as it was Shaq’s first season back in the Western Conference. The two seemed to be getting along better with each other.
Both Kobe and Shaq had an incredible game and were named co-MVPs for the game. As a gesture of good faith, Kobe Bryant offered Shaquille O’Neal the MVP trophy so that he could give it to his son Shareef. During their press conference after the game, Shaq and Kobe spoke about the gesture, and Shaq was happy with what Kobe did for him.
In the interview the two did after they both retired, Shaq noted that it was this gesture from Kobe that made him realize that their falling out was very unnecessary. The two made peace later in life, and actually had a good relationship with each other until Kobe’s passing. Upon his passing, Shaq spoke very kind words about Kobe and was very emotional. Clearly, their relationship had gotten quite strong over the years.
