Shaquille O’ Neal and the late NBA star Kobe Bryant shared an infamous beef. . However, Shaq and Kobe famously reconciled their dispute later on in their lives. They both donned the Los Angeles Lakers jersey together for eight years. It was a partnership that resulted in three titles out of four trips to the NBA Finals. Shaq eventually decided to part ways with Lakers.
Shaq’s beef with Bryant didn’t end with him exiting the Lakers. Shaq did his best to keep up with the 5-time NBA Champion. Back in 2005, Shaquille O’Neal was supposed to sign a new contract with the Miami Heat, and a five-year one at the least. With new coach Pat Riley at the helm, the legendary coach decided to be straight to Shaq, which the basketball giant appreciated.
Shaquille O’ Neal opens up on the matter
In the fourth episode of the Shaq documentary, the seven-foot giant opened up on the matter.
“Pat Riley was the only smart one to talk business with me.” said Shaq. He further added, “He said, ‘Shaq, I love you. I can give you $125 Million for 4, but you won’t have no players. Or I can give you 100 for 5.’ I was like, my guys, Dwyane, Alonzo, Udonis, James Posey, Antoine Walker, Gary and Jason. Nah man, I gotta win before the young fella [Kobe Bryant] wins.”
