Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant are often considered the greatest duo in NBA history. The two played together for 8 years, with them hitting their stride from 2000. Between 2000 and 2002, Shaq and Kobe led the Lakers to three consecutive NBA championships, becoming the last team to three-peat in the NBA.
Shaq and Kobe became a highlight for the NBA and made the Los Angeles Lakers the most must-see team in the NBA during their stint together. The Staples Center was buzzing during their reign together. And with the recent name change for the Staples Center, Shaq believes that it is best because of the legacy he and Kobe built there.
The Staples Center is being renamed going forward, and the iconic lettering was taken down just this week. Shaquille O’Neal said that the name change is good for the Lakers, as the Staples Center will always be remembered as belonging to him and Kobe Bryant.
Shaq on the Staples Center name change 👀 pic.twitter.com/1PqLdgD1N0
— Kobe Bryant Stories & Motivation (@kobehighlight) December 9, 2021
“I’m glad they’re taking the name down because that was our building… Staples Center belonged to Shaq and Kobe, forever.”
Shaq is not the only one to express this thought. Vanessa Bryant also recently said that the Staples Center will always be remembered as the house that Kobe Bryant built. And with the change in name for the arena, many fans feel as though the legacy of Kobe’s time with the Lakers is cemented.
The current Los Angeles Lakers could start a new era by winning a championship in the renamed arena. It would mark the beginning of a new period, one that follows up the incredible legacy left in the Staples Center by Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal.
