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Shaquille O’Neal: “I’m Glad They’re Taking the Name Down Because That Was Our Building… Staples Center Belonged to Shaq and Kobe Bryant Forever.”
The Staples Center is officially changing its name to Crypto.com Arena this month after announcing it last month. And amid preparing the execution of that change, an unexpected Lakers legend is rather glad they are changing its name. Contrary to popular public opinion, Shaquille O’Neal admitted that he’s celebrating the name change for a unique reason. And that reason is Kobe Bryant.
On the latest episode of the Big Podcast, Shaquille O’Neal admitted that he was happy seeing them take down the Staples Center sign. This is what he said while talking about his most memorable moments at the Staples Center.
Shaquille O’Neal on how the Staples Center belonged to him and Kobe Bryant
While talking about his favorite memories in the Staples Center, Shaq admitted he is glad to see the name change. He said, “I’m glad they’re taking the name of the Staples Center down because that was our building….Congratulations to the owners for getting the new deal, but Staples Center belonged to Shaq and Kobe forever.”
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – JUNE 12: Kobe Bryant, Lindsey Hunter and Shaquille O’Neal of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrate following Game Four of the NBA Finals against the New Jersey Nets on June 12, 2002 at Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sporting News via Getty Images via Getty Images)
Arguably the most iconic duo in Lakers’ history, Shaq and Kobe dominated the NBA throughout their careers. Moreover, when they teamed up, they gave the Lakers the first 3-peat in their history. Their dominant performance in the NBA Finals in 2000 against Reggie Miller’s Indiana Pacers arguably stole Miller’s best chance of winning a title.
Kobe Bryant’s most iconic moments at the Staples Center
Other than the 81 point performance at the Staples Center, Kobe’s most iconic performance at the Staples Center came in Game 7 of the 2010 NBA Finals. After losing to the Boston Celtics in the 2008 NBA Finals, Kobe waited for two years to get his revenge on the Celtics.
Boston, Massachusetts: June 17, 2008, Lakers’ Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, and Vladimir Radmanovic watch last minutes against the Celtics in Game 6 of the NBA Finals at the TD Banknorth Center Tuesday. (Photo by Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
The Lakers and Celtics were tied throughout Game 7. However, a clutch Metta World Peace 3-pointer off a Bryant pass gave the Lakers an 83-79 victory. In front of his home supporters, Kobe’s 23 points and 15 rebounds clinched him his fifth NBA title. Thus delivering Staples Center one of its most memorable moments. Indeed, revenge is a dish best served cold.
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The post Shaquille O’Neal: “I’m Glad They’re Taking the Name Down Because That Was Our Building… Staples Center Belonged to Shaq and Kobe Bryant Forever.” appeared first on EssentiallySports.
