Been chillin where my name hang. He scored 37 in the second half and tied a team record with 24 in the fourth quarter as the Lakers won in overtime. It was in the 2000 Western Conference Finals that a defining moment of O'Neal's and Bryant's on-court success together occurred. [3] The Lakers led the series 2–0 behind O'Neal's dominating presence. [86], The Lakers ultimately entered the playoffs as the second seed, thanks to an overtime victory versus the Portland Trail Blazers on the final night of the season, due of a pair of buzzer beaters from Bryant. "[115][116], In 2007, O'Neal said that Bryant should have won the NBA Most Valuable Player Award, which was awarded to Dirk Nowitzki. I be Shaq and he be Kobe. Shaq. Bryant missed a potentially game-winning shot as time expired. I used to do that 6–7 hours per day. Shaq: Change it to the most valuable team, then. He's always interested in being a scorer, but he hasn't had nearly enough concentration on defense and rebounding. [52] Bryant would play unselfishly in the playoffs. "[85] In March, after Bryant received internal criticism about his shot selection, he scored just one point while taking three shots in the first half against Orlando which the Lakers trailed by 11. Find me in the rafters. 1999-00 NBA Awards Voting Summary. What happened with Shaq yesterday on … "[133] O'Neal signed a two-year contract with the Celtics for the 2010–2011 and 2011–2012 season for the league minimum of $1.3 million and adding to the Celtics–Lakers rivalry. I think Kobe is playing too selfishly for us to win. [15] Bryant's playing time became reduced. I would have respected Dr. Buss more as a man if he would have told me that himself, because I know he said it. "[97][98] Bryant, meanwhile, was involved in discussions with the Los Angeles Clippers. The teams would face again a week and a half later, but O'Neal would not play as he was dealing with an injury. "[131] O'Neal again congratulated Bryant on his Twitter page: "Congratulations Kobe, u deserve it. [74] O'Neal would reveal after the season that he promised Malone and Payton he would cease feuding with Bryant in light of his legal situation with the rape charge. I know what I'm doing, brother. The Lakers and the Heat faced off again on Christmas Day in 2005, with the Heat winning the second time. [14] The following season, Bryant was voted as a starter in the 1998 All-Star Game though he was a reserve on the Lakers. The Shaq-Kobe feud was definitely very notable in the sports world, and is very notable for sports history in general. "Shaq and I are going to move on, be teammates and help this team to a fourth title. Shaq's 20-year-old son, Shareef, also took to Instagram to share the screenshots of Kobe privately messaging him to check in on him. According to reports, Bryant stated that he should have paid off his women so that they wouldn't say anything, like O'Neal. O'Neal said, "It was just another game to me. "[51] Fisher returned on March 13, upgrading the team's defense. Bryant responded that he knew how to play the guard position, and O'Neal should worry about the low post. It’s no secret Shaq and Kobe had their rifts over the years. https://heavy.com/sports/2020/01/kobe-bryant-shaq-beef-friends-feud I'm totally cool with Kobe. [13], Bryant was assigned by the Lakers to play in the 1997 NBA Summer League to improve as a team player and learn where to send the ball when he drew double teams. [149], In 2015, O'Neal would launch The Big Podcast with Bryant as his first guest. "[47] According to Bryant, the team's defense was the problem and not his increased role in the offense. "[107] Bryant said "I wasn't even thinking about it. In the following season, Bryant and O'Neal did not engage in further public attacks. Jackson had a contract offer outstanding from the Lakers, but he had not acted on it. The two sparred in their first three seasons playing together from 1996–1999. Broussard even named Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Shaquille O’Neal as examples, saying that there was only one season where he believed James should have gotten the prize. Welcome to the page with the answer to the clue Shaq and Kobe’s team. He played way too passively. [121] Bryant commented that he "didn't take (O'Neal's rap) any kind of way whatsoever. Head-to-head meetings between O'Neal and Bryant, The Last Season: A Team in Search of Its Soul, September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center, "Kobe Bryant was once a Charlotte Hornet, for 13 days", "Los Angeles Lakers: Why the NBA's unbeatable team will collapse (but not this month)", "Jackson Set To Sign 4-year Lakers Contract", "Lakers owner Jerry Buss brought 'Showtime' success to L.A.", "Top 10 Lakers playoffs moments: Kobe-to-Shaq cements Game 7 comeback against Portland", "Kobe Bryant vs. Shaquille O'Neal: Where Amazingly Sad Happens", "Dreadful drought: Blazers' dry spell allows Lakers to take Game 7", "PRO BASKETBALL: NOTEBOOK; Bryant Feels Like a Square In Lakers' Triangle Offense", "Boy Ii Man: Erstwhile teen hot dog Kobe Bryant has grown into a consummate team player, which is a big reason the Lakers are huge favorites to win the NBA title", "PRO BASKETBALL; Tension Between O'Neal and Bryant Is Rising Every Day", "Phil Jackson's tenure produced the most success and fun we've ever seen", "Kobe Bryant charged with sexual assault", "Lakers Sign Free Agents Gary Payton and Karl Malone", "Pro Basketball; With Bryant Absent, Lakers Begin Practicing", "Excerpt: Bryant's trial, attitude took toll on Jackson, Lakers", "Payton, Malone set the tone in Kobe's absence", "Pro Basketball; Lakers Crush Pistons' Hope Of Taking The First 2", "Jackson Not Returning; Shaq Requested Trade", "Lakers Acquire Odom, Butler, Grant and a Future First Rounder for Shaq", "Kobe denies getting Jackson, Shaq ousted", "Shaq angrily denies paying sex hush money", "Shaq on Kobe: 'He's a Corvette, I'm a brick wall, "No Christmas cheer in Miami as Heat edge Lakers 97-92", "Dana Point authorities answer 'wild' cries for help", "If the previous three didn't scare you off, this one's great", "Shaq raps on New York stage, takes shots at Kobe", "Bryant asks for trade, then backtracks slightly", "O'Neal casts his MVP vote – and it's a big no", "Snoop Dogg, Nas, Cory Gunz See Nothing Wrong With Shaquille O'Neal's Anti-Kobe Freestyle", "Shaq, Kobe lead freestyling West All-Stars past East", "Kobe Bryant likes to remind Shaq who has more rings", "Shaq tweets: "i want kobe bryant to get number 4, "Kobe Bryant comes clean about the pressure", Status 16451373959: 'Congratulations Kobe, "Grousbeck's faith goes right down to the core", "Shaq announces NBA retirement on Twitter, using Tout iPhone app", "Shaq moving on to the next chapter—retirement", "Shaquille always did things his own way", "Report: Kobe close to Italy deal; takes Shaq feud international", "Lou Williams-led 76ers spoil Kobe Bryant's milestone night", "As the Lakers prepare to retire Shaq's jersey, Kobe now appreciates his former foe", "Shaquille O'Neal says he never had 'real dislike' for Kobe Bryant", "Listen to Shaquille O'Neal's revealing podcast with Kobe Bryant", "Shaquille O'Neal requests 50 points from Kobe Bryant in his final game", https://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/15207497, "Kobe finishes his two-decade-long career in a fashionable way as Lakers eliminate Jazz, 101-96", "Mamba out: Kobe Bryant's shocking farewell", "Shaquille O'Neal says Kobe Bryant is the best Laker ever", "Shaquille O'Neal: 'It means a lot' Kobe Bryant spoke at his statue unveiling", "Shaq's Statue Unveiled Outside Of Staples Center (Includes Shaq's Speech! Rambis said O'Neal gave him a "blank, cold stare. [44] Jackson commented that their actions were "juvenile" and they should appreciate each other and play as a team. LeBron and AD haven’t proven themselves to be on that same level yet, … [87] They defeated the Houston Rockets, the San Antonio Spurs, and the Minnesota Timberwolves before advancing to the 2004 NBA Finals, where they were considered a favorite to defeat the Detroit Pistons. 1, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shaq–Kobe_feud&oldid=1014016236, Articles with dead external links from September 2017, Articles with permanently dead external links, Articles with dead external links from May 2017, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 24 March 2021, at 18:23. Smokin up them backwoods. See more ideas about kobe bryant pictures, kobe, kobe bryant black mamba. Before that, though, he was having a terrific season, leading the Lakers to continue as the good team they were last year and remembering the times he felt he should have won the MVP. [34] In the ensuing celebration, Bryant was the first person to embrace O'Neal. Later, after sitting out an exhibition game to rest a sore left heel, O'Neal said, "I want to be right [in the regular season] for Derek [Fisher], Karl and Gary." [128] For O'Neal, Bryant's gesture marked a turning point in their relationship. Lacrime per Kobe, Shaq crolla in diretta: "Ho perso un fratello" 00:00. Shaquille Rashaun "Shaq" O'Neal (/ ʃ ə ˈ k iː l / shə-KEEL; / ʃ æ k / SHAK; born March 6, 1972) is an American sports analyst on the television program Inside the NBA on TNT, former professional basketball player, and rapper.O’Neal was a 7-foot-1-inch (2.16 m) and 325-pound (147 kg) center who played for six teams over his 19-year career in the National Basketball Association (NBA). "[36] O'Neal felt pressure to be leader of the team and was upset with Bryant's shot selection. Mins. He also criticized O'Neal for only taking responsibility when the team won. LeBron is not alone in this. "That's far from the truth", said Fisher. [139] He also mentioned that his departure from Los Angeles has nothing to do with Kobe Bryant, saying "the reason I left wasn't about what Kobe did; it was about something else. Damian Lillard Can Create Two Superteams If He Wants To Leave The Portland Trail Blazers, Ranking The 20 Most Clutch Players In NBA History: Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, And Larry Bird Were Masters Late In Games, Ranking The Highest Career PPG In A Season For Every NBA Franchise: Wilt Chamberlain Is Way Ahead Of The Pack Averaging 50.4 PPG With The Warriors, The 5 Best Superteams That Could Have Been Created In 1990s If Superstars Wanted To Play Together, The Best 3-Point Shooters In The NBA By Tiers: Stephen Curry Is In A Superior Tier, Rankings The 10 Best Point Guards In 5 Years: Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, And Damian Lillard Will Lead The League, Ranking The Top 10 Most Unguardable Players In The NBA Right Now, The Full Comparison: 1996 Draft Class vs. 2003 Draft Class, Current NBA Players Hierarchy: LeBron, Jokic, Harden, Giannis, Embiid, Lillard, And Curry Are Competing For The Throne, The Only Two Teams Can Beat LeBron James And The Lakers In The Western Conference, remembering the times he felt he should have won the MVP, Kyle Kuzma sided with him, saying he could have at least 8 MVP trophies at home, Julius Randle Shares The Incredible Story Of How Kobe Bryant Taught Him About Work Ethic, Magic Johnson On What Michael Jordan Said To Him And Larry Bird: ‘Larry And Magic You Had Your Run, But There’s A New Sheriff In Town.’, Jayson Tatum And Jaylen Brown Are The League’s Highest Scoring Duo, Ben Simmons Thinks That The Philadelphia 76ers Can Win The Championship This Season: “I Genuinely Think This Is The Year.”, The Top 10 Most Underrated Defenders In The NBA Right Now, Bam Adebayo Says He Still Teases Jayson Tatum Over Block In 2020 Playoffs. I can take that to the bank." O'Neal shared a similar tone, saying "I'm over it. "[139], After his retirement, O'Neal was hired by Turner Sports as an NBA analyst. Casi nada. "[70] There had been no public indications of animosity between the two since the 2000–2001 season. [48] Bryant said that "scoring shouldn't affect (O'Neal's) defense", while O'Neal maintained that "if the big dog ain't me, then the house won't get guarded – period. Enjoy it man enjoy it. He said, "I got hurt on company time, so I’ll rehab on company time. On Bryant, O'Neal claimed that he "always did love Kobe." by Casey Holdahl. "[44] Bryant responded that it was a different year and the roster had undergone some changes and "things change, things evolve, and you just have to grow with that change. O'Neal's demand was soon indulged, as he was sent to the Miami Heat for Lamar Odom, Caron Butler, Brian Grant and a first-round draft pick. Winter said, "[O'Neal] left because he couldn't get what he wanted—a huge pay raise. So, maybe 5.”, — @Chris_Broussard on Kuzma saying LeBron should have 8, 9 or 10 MVPs: pic.twitter.com/OtIIDu3NiP, — First Things First (@FTFonFS1) March 19, 2021. Kobe Shaq Champions, Kobe Shaq Lakers, Kobe Shaq Wallpaper, Kobe Bryant vs Shaq, Kobe Shaq Feud, Kobe Shaq Championships, Kobe and Shaq Fight, Kobe Dunks On Shaq, Shaq and Kobe Bryant Champions, Kobe to Shaq Lob, Kobe Winning Championship, Kobe Shaq Lakers Roster, Kobe and Shaquille, Kobe Shaq Trophy, Shaquille O%27Neal Kobe, Kobe Bryant Finals, Shaq Carried Kobe, Kobe … "[124], In November of the 2008–2009 season, O'Neal told reporters that he believed the entire feud had been the fault of the Lakers head coach Phil Jackson. ... en el anillo de 2010, con Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol y Phil Jackson. "There was a lot of hatred in [O'Neal's] heart ... Kobe just took it and kept going." Bill Simmons of ESPN speculated that O'Neal wanted to tie Bryant with five titles and that still "Shaq hates Kobe and Kobe hates Shaq. Shaq on overcoming several tragedies and personal losses in 2020 and how he changed his lifestyle to make a major fitness transformation. Shaq And Kobe Phone Case. after O'Neal failed to block a shot in Game 1. I be Shaq and he be Kobe. I don't forget anything. [73] O'Neal responded, "Just ask Karl and Gary why they came here. [43] O'Neal said of the Lakers in January, "When it was clear that everything went through me, the outcome of it was (a record of) 67–15, playing with enthusiasm, the city jumping up and down and a parade. [4] Bryant kept his teammates at a distance, answering non-basketball questions with one- or two-word responses. Kobe & Shaq. I'm happy for him, and, most of all, I want to thank him for being a part of the greatest 1-2 punch ever created, never to be duplicated. Salvato nella pagina "I miei bookmark" Salvato nella pagina "I miei bookmark" Commenta; Shaquille O'Neal, ex compagno di squadra ai Lakers, ha ricordato Kobe Bryant e … I don't know why anybody else would want to change – other than selfish reasons. The only year I came up with where LeBron could’ve won it that he didn’t was 2005-06. "[135] Kobe and Shaq would play each other one last time on January 30, 2011, with Shaq's Celtics prevailing over the Kobe's Lakers in a 109–96 victory. Period. Shaq & Kobe have 2 combined. Portland led by 15 points early in the fourth quarter, before the Lakers mounted a 25–4 rally to take the lead. [45] O'Neal requested a trade after a blowout win against the Phoenix Suns where Bryant scored 38 and O'Neal scored 18. "All Shaq wants to do is win. Parker countered that the players haven't played enough together to build that identity. Un binomio che suscita sempre emozioni fortissime nei tifosi giallo viola.. Nel corso di un’intervista rilasciata a Ohm Youngmisuk di ESPN, The Diesel ha parlato a ruota libera della stagione 2020 dei Los Angeles Lakers, segnata dal tragico incidente di Calabasas e conclusasi con la cavalcata verso l’anello in quei di Orlando. [29] The results of Jackson's hiring were promising, as the Lakers amassed a 67–15 record (one of the best records in league history). [77], The following day, Lakers scout and former teammate Brian Shaw mediated the conflict between a furious O'Neal and Bryant. Shaq and Kobe won three straight NBA titles together from 2000 to 2002. I've had it. During the game, O'Neal slapped Bryant. The Los Angeles Times wrote that both of the Lakers moves were a concession to Bryant. He chose not to undergo a more involved surgery that would have kept him out of action for a longer period of time. He's a new, up-and-coming kid. The coaches would also tell the team they did not see the selfishness in Bryant that the players saw. [59] Bryant and O'Neal were complimentary of each other afterwards.[60]. LeBron is not alone in this. "[38] Upon arriving to the Lakers that season, Winter said he was stunned to discover the level of hatred O'Neal expressed toward Bryant. Winter said, "Even though Shaq was a big presence, he was not a great shot blocker. Bryant also said that Shaq with the mama mentality would have led him to twelve championships and retired as the undisputed goat like a double MJ. [126] At the 2009 NBA All-Star Game, O'Neal, Bryant, and Jackson were all reunited on the West squad. [72], When Bryant joined the Lakers in camp, O'Neal told reporters Bryant should look to be more of a passer than a scorer until Bryant's knee was fully healed. "[103], Later, news came out that Bryant had made a reference about O'Neal and paying women for their discretion while being questioned by police in 2003. Nba Phone Case. He’s amazing. And conversely, Shaq, what was the part of your game that got better because you were playing with a talent like Kobe Bryant? [57] Jackson also missed most of camp due to the death of his 94-year-old mother, and Bryant returned to Philadelphia to bury his grandfather. O'Neal later retracted the statement and apologized, interrupting one of Jackson's pre-game interviews to give him a hug and a kiss on the cheek. When asked about the brick wall comment, Bryant said, "I knew there was a lot of talk about the brick wall and all that, but I think that was kind of just to hype the game. February 26, 2021 12:16 pm. It doesn't display my talent ... it doesn't give me what I have to have for my game. I started by asking for his reaction to Shaq calling the Lakers “his” team and saying that “everybody knows that.” In his 2011 autobiography, Shaq Uncut: My Story, O'Neal wrote of the championship, "I had proven I could win anywhere—not just with some shot-happy guard in Los Angeles. "[79] Shaw questioned why he would believe that when Bryant did not join the team for dinners on the road, failed to attend O'Neal's wedding though invited, and did not invite a single teammate to his own wedding. He's not blaming everybody else. Shaq and Kobe, as both are fond of saying, were the best one-two punch in NBA history. With Kobe's spirit." The two were able to win three consecutive NBA championships (2000, 2001, 2002) and make an NBA Finals appearance in 2004.O'Neal was the NBA Finals MVP in each of their victories. He didn't say anything." "[5] Bryant had extreme confidence in his ability, which was unusual for an 18-year-old. "We're still the greatest little-man, big-man 1-2 punch ever created in the history of the game", O'Neal said. [28] Bryant missed the season's first 15 games due to a broken right wrist, allowing the team to focus on O'Neal as Jackson had planned. Winter even put together a video for O'Neal to show that Bryant was playing his role correctly. "[155], One year later, O'Neal was honored by the Lakers with a statue of his likeness outside Staples Center. Kobe was agitated and deeply upset about his most prominent teammate, all-world center Shaquille O’Neal, whom he had played with since 1996. Combined with the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center, O'Neal said it would be hard for basketball players to be divided by pettiness. Hours. The NBA Hall of Famer’s shoe size is laughable. Before the opening tip, Bryant and O'Neal did not talk, but did greet each other by bumping forearms. "[122] O'Neal later said he was freestyling and that "it was all done in fun. "[50], Magic Johnson later noticed a change in O'Neal: "Shaq is saying 'It's me. [27] During that season's All-Star Game, Bryant did not participate in the Slam Dunk Contest and a matchup against Vince Carter, following Jackson's request to pass on individual accomplishments to keep the focus on the team. "[18] Bryant's jerseys were outselling O'Neal's in Southern California sporting goods stores, and rumors started that O'Neal was jealous, as he was with Penny Hardaway when they played together in Orlando. [2] No NBA team had previously drafted a guard straight from high school. The subsequent off-season included accusations and then charges of rape by Bryant in Colorado. [150], In November 2015, Bryant announced his intention to retire following the 2015–16 NBA season. [74], In a subsequent interview with Jim Gray of ESPN, Bryant questioned O'Neal's claims of team leadership. [42], In 2001, the Lakers won the title again; however, O'Neal and Bryant began feuding during the season. Afterward, Jackson urged Bryant to be more aggressive offensively. I can't finish my career with people saying that. The only time I have trouble with people giving criticism is when they haven't walked that walk. )", https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2018/02/17/i-owe-you-an-apology-shaquille-oneal-explains-why-he-loves-kobe-bryant-years-after-feud/, https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28569438/sources-kobe-bryant-daughter-gianna-die-helicopter-crash, https://twitter.com/SHAQ/status/1221549914766954496, "Shaq speech on Kobe Bryant: 3 things Shaquille O'Neal said at Kobe Bryant's memorial", National Basketball Association rivalries, Shaquille O'Neal Presents His Superfriends, Vol. O'Neal averaged 33.7 points over the final 11 games. Posted: Jan 13, ... Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe … Anybody can make the case for their favorite players to win this honor but it’s not so easy to win it. Even his teammate Kyle Kuzma sided with him, saying he could have at least 8 MVP trophies at home, which sparked a series of reactions around the league. Device. The only year I came up with where LeBron could’ve won it that he didn’t was 2005-06. I've walked many walks in my 19-year career, so I think any criticism that I give should be fair. No issue at all. [93] However, Winter said Jackson announced at the All-Star break that he would not want to return to the Lakers if Bryant returned. Kobe drives to the lane and rips Shaq for calling too many fouls. Shaq & Kobe vanno via come un binomio, per tutto quello che hanno fatto (nel bene e nel male) e per quello che hanno rappresentato per il mondo della pallacanestro e della NBA. Mug. The last time the King was awarded the MVP was in 2013, while he was still with the Miami Heat. Bryant was leading the league in scoring as 2001 began, and Jackson said Bryant was playing the best ball of his career. What really happened between one of the most dynamic duos of all time well when Kobe first joined the Lakers Shaq always ask for the ball, Kobe's response that get it off the rebound if I miss bro. Shaq And Kobe Adult Apparel. The Shaq–Kobe feud was the conflict between National Basketball Association (NBA) players Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, who played together for the Los Angeles Lakers from 1996 to 2004. While the Lakers defeated the Houston Rockets in the first round of that year's NBA Playoffs, they were ultimately swept 4–0 by the San Antonio Spurs in the second round.[22]. Long Sleeve T-Shirt. O'Neal announced his retirement via social media on June 1, 2011. [61] During the season, Bryant had a nine-game streak where he scored at least 40 points and a 13-game streak where he scored 35 or better. 128 Followers, 167 Following, 44 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Kobe And Shaq (@kobe.and.shaq) Shaq slaps him across the face and says, ‘I’ll get you traded to Vancouver.’” 12:07 The reason for the dynasty breakup in 2004 See more ideas about kobe, shaq, shaquille o'neal. [40] O'Neal said it was an inside joke between Kobe and him. 29 gennaio 2020. One. The Lakers had led the Portland Trail Blazers three games to one, before dropping Game 5 at home and Game 6 in Portland. After they split, Kobe won two more NBA titles with the Lakers before retiring in 2016. [125] On January 29, 2009, in an interview with Stephen A. Smith, O'Neal claimed that the feud between him and Bryant was simply a marketing ploy, saying "We helped you hype it up. "[19] O'Neal thought Rambis favored Bryant. Tank Top. "[145] He said the two had "mutual respect" for each other,[146] while O'Neal commented that they had an "athletic dislike" for each other but "never had a real dislike". [11] After the game, O'Neal put his arm around Bryant and told him there would be other opportunities. Fisher said neither O'Neal nor Bryant really started it, as they were both being physical. [113] O'Neal and the Heat won the NBA title that season. "[140] During the 2011 NBA lockout, Bryant discussed his problems with O'Neal with a radio station in Italy, saying "I like players who workout. [41] Jackson and Winter relied on the triangle offense to heal the relationship between O'Neal and Bryant. “True story, and Kobe never told me this until after we played: A little kid comes into the locker room in Orlando and he wants to see Penny Hardaway. Dame And CJ Join The Likes Of Shaq and Kobe, Steph And KD In Early-Season Scoring. O'Neal denied these claims, stating that Bryant had no idea about O'Neal's personal business since the two of them rarely spent any time together. I'm the one who has to close the middle down like I did last year.' O'Neal had 18 points and 9 rebounds, and Bryant had 25 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 blocked shots. [35], The season was not without confrontation, as O'Neal in one team meeting said, "I have something to say. He also rapped, "Kobe, tell me how my ass tastes". Add To Cart. O'Neal said that the past comments made to the press by him and by Bryant were "almost like a game." In reference to his final career game against the Utah Jazz on April 13, O'Neal asked Bryant, “Can you promise me one thing? Gradually, he's seen there is a different way to contribute that incorporates more of the team. They defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves in six games, but were eliminated by eventual champion San Antonio Spurs in the conference semifinals. [64] On July 16, a little more than two weeks after the initial assault allegations, the Lakers announced the signings of veteran free agents and former All-Stars Karl Malone and Gary Payton, who were recruited by O'Neal. Shaq had a great reaction to Charles Barkley's 'Shaq and Kobe-like' comparison. Jackson had ordered Bryant to be more aggressive. This year, after Joel Embiid’s injury, the picture looked very promising for the King but now that he’s out, other candidates like James Harden and Nikola Jokic can take the lead of the race. "[141] O'Neal countered that he did not need to work out, and that "My three Finals MVPs speaks for itself. Every Sports Reference Social Media Account. Not most valuable player. The No. [12] West said the team's shortcoming made O'Neal angry since he was going to be judged by the team's success. Bryant, upon returning from an injury, was willing to build off of O'Neal now that the center was in shape and playing defense. "[114], O'Neal indirectly referenced the feud in his cameo appearance in the 2006 movie Scary Movie 4. Bryant, still disappointed at the support he received over the summer, told O'Neal, "You're supposed to be my friend. Hoodie. Not two. O'Neal was the NBA Finals MVP in each of their victories. [84] The Lakers slid towards mediocrity during the spring. Kobe and Shaq did not hide the fact that they did not always get along as teammates with the Lakers, but Shaq’s son was one of the last people Kobe reached out to before Sunday’s crash.