When Shaquille O'Neal warned Kobe Bryant playing against him for first time: “He’s a Corvette, I’m a brick wall”

Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant were once teammates with the LA Lakers, winning three straight titles. But in 2004, they parted ways after a feud and Shaq was traded to the Miami Heat, where he won his last championship in 2006.

15 years ago today, the Lakers traded Shaq to the Heat for Caron Butler, Lamar Odom, Brian Grant and picks.

◽️ Ended Shaq/Kobe era
◽️ Diesel promised a title
◽️ Signed for $100M in 2005
◽️ Heat won 2006 championship https://t.co/j13aP12ohg

In their first meeting, it was one of the most highly anticipated games. Both stars were in a new chapter of their careers and wanted to get a piece of the other. The NBA scheduled them to play against each other on Christmas Day, a holiday when more fans usually tune in compared to regular days.

Ahead of their game, tensions were high and both stars were locked in to get the best out of the other. In true Shaq fashion, he warned Bryant before their game, giving the media some of the best quotes in the history of the league. Even with the holiday fast approaching, O'Neal made it known that he was serious in his first battle against the Black Mamba.

"If you get a Corvette that runs into a brick wall, you know what's gonna happen?" O'Neal said. "He's a Corvette. I'm a brick wall. So, you know what's gonna happen."

The Heat won in overtime 104-102. O'Neal had a big game, scoring 24 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks while shooting a respectable 57.9%. However, Shaq fouled out late in the fourth quarter. Luckily for him, a young Dwyane Wade carried the team with 29 points and 10 assists.

Bryant, on the other hand, did most of the work for the Lakers that night. He had 42 points, three rebounds and six assists while shooting 40/0%, including 38.5% from the 3-point area. Lamar Odom pitched in with 24 points and 11 rebounds.

Also read: Shaquille O'Neal shares heartwarming picture of Kobe Bryant watching soccer game in Italy with his father

Shaquille O'Neal's pettiness is once again on display after an exchange with Kevin Durant

Shaquille O'Neal has long been retired, but he's kept a close distance in the NBA as an analyst with TNT. Last week, the Lakers updated their roster by trading Kendrick Nunn for Rui Hachimura. Shaq later commented on the team's acquisition by asking who Hachimura is, since he had no idea who the Japanese forward was.

Seeing this, Kevin Durant jokingly asked about O'Neal's knowledge of the modern NBA.

"Shaquille doesn’t know ball?" Durant tweeted.

Shaquille doesn’t know ball? twitter.com/legionhoops/st…

Shaq later responded with this:

"I don’t kno ball, but i kno how to brush my hair,or decide to cut it when i was going bald. love always THE BUS DRIVER"

@boardroom @KDTrey5 @JColeNC i don’t kno ball, but i kno how to brush my hair,or decide to cut it when i was going bald. love always THE BUS DRIVER

Durant followed up with this:

"Damn, I got cooked for asking a simple question."

@SHAQ @boardroom @JColeNC Damn, I got cooked for asking a simple question.

So far, Shaq hasn't responded to KD's last reply.

Also read: Shaquille O'Neal reveals his first reaction after LA Lakers traded for Rui Hachimura: "Who the f*ck is that?!"