Shaquille O’Neal opens up on Kobe Bryant regret: “I’ll never get to see Kobe again in real life, I should have called”
Shaquille O'Neal was recently invited by People Magazine to do an interview on love, loss and regret. One of the topics discussed was about his former teammate and LA Lakers legend, Kobe Bryant. O'Neal revealed how he regretted not talking to Bryant more often before his passing.
"Big Diesel" had a message for his viewers. He encouraged everyone to always get in touch with their loved ones before it's too late. Shaq regreted that he will never see his brother again. The big man reminded everyone that not seeing someone forever is something one shouldn't ask for.
"I'll never get to see Kobe again, in real life, forever," Shaq said. "I just should have called. He should have called. We both should have called. Call your mom. Call your borther. Call the homeboy you used to party with in college. Forever is a long time."
Shaq opens up about Kobe ❤️
Always call your loved ones.
(via @people) https://t.co/DPj20ANii4
Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal are one of the greatest duos in NBA history
Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal are without a doubt one of the most dynamic duos in NBA history, if not the best. Both superstars took over the league entering the new millennium. Their Lakers completed a three-peat, winning titles from 2000-2002. While Shaq deservedly won all three Finals MVPs, young Bryant deserved credit as well for carrying the team with him.
On and off the court, Bryant and O'Neal reportedly didn't get along. Both had alpha mentalities and wanted to be the main man for the team. However, whenever they'd put their differences aside, they were a deadly one-two punch. Shaq dominated the paint while Kobe dominated with his all round game. It made the Lakers unstoppable.
The duo put up impressive figures in all three championship runs. Shaquille O'Neal had 28.6 points, 12.4 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game between 2000-2002. Meanwhile, Bryant put up 25.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.6 steals per game.
Both superstars were sensational and had the ability to keep up with each other. Other teams found it very difficult to slow down Shaq and Kobe's Lakers.
Unfortunately for the Lakers, their dominant run ended when Bryant reportedly ran O'Neal out of LA. Their relationship was rocky at first, but time healed all wounds and the two eventually buried the hatchet.