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Shaquille O’Neal on Regrets About Kobe Bryant: “I’m Upset As I Should Have Contacted Him More. We Should Have Spoke More.”
Among the NBA’s greatest duos, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal definitely rank among the top ones. The pair wreaked havoc in the league for the eight years they spent together with the Los Angeles Lakers. Although they had their ups and downs, both Shaq and Kobe developed an unsaid bond and connection on and off the court. This is why when the news of the former guard-forward passing away came in, it left O’Neal in a state of shock and disbelief.
WATCH THIS STORY: 5 Times Shaquille O’Neal Almost Killed His Opponent On An NBA Court
In his illustrious career, Kobe Bryant was a one-franchise player. For 20 years, he led the Lakers will diligence and passion. His ‘Mamba mentality’ was influential in creating an elite era in LA. Winning four titles, he earned the title of one of the sport’s greatest players in history. Meanwhile, Shaq was a vital feature of his success along the way. Till today, the NBA hasn’t witnessed a center-forward with the sheer dominance of the 49-year-old. With this duo performing together every other night, it was a sight to behold for fans, and a nightmare for oppositions.
Shaq on the Staples Center name change pic.twitter.com/1PqLdgD1N0
— Kobe Highlights & Motivation (@kobehighlight) December 9, 2021
Shaquille O’Neal reveals regret over Kobe Bryant passing
Duo to their proximity even after retirement, 15-time All-star Shaquille O’Neal couldn’t believe Kobe was no more. In the beginning of 2020, a horrific helicopter crash took away the lives of numerous innocent people. Since then, Shaq has expressed multiple times how much the news affected him, and how he has struggled over the past year or two. In a recent interview however, he revealed his deep regrets over not having spent more time with his brother from another mother – Kobe.
Since the invasion of the COVID-19 pandemic, Shaq has been doing a lot of great work for the ones affected. Recently, he spoke to TNT about how the 18-time All-star was all he was thinking about, even during his social work. “It’s a rough day, can’t believe the year has gone by so fast,” said Shaq. “I’m upset as I should have contacted him [Kobe] more. We should have spoke more. Because it’s not a lot where you can create history with somebody that’ll never be forgotten.”
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)
None of us have fully moved on from the absence of Kobe Bryant yet. So it is only natural that the great Shaq, who won most of his accolades alongside Kobe, is still recuperating from the loss. Looking at the work he is doing though, we’re sure LA’s eternal #24 is looking on as a proud friend.
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