Even though Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley have been vocal about their anticipation for their summer vacation, they are still fulfilling their broadcasting duties for NBA TV during the NBA Finals. During one of the broadcasts, a memorable clip from the NBA Playoffs featuring Shaq and his former Los Angeles Lakers teammate Kobe Bryant was shown, evoking strong emotions from O’Neal.
The clip displayed Kobe’s iconic alley-oop pass to Shaq in Game 7 of the 2000 Western Conference Finals against the Portland Trail Blazers. This play was instrumental in the Lakers securing their spot in the NBA Finals after nearly a decade of absence. When Shaq was asked to reflect on that historic moment, he couldn’t help but express his emotions once again.
Contrary to the perception that it happened 23 years ago, Shaq responded by saying, “No it didn’t.” He acknowledged that while it was a happy moment, the sadness he feels when thinking about Kobe, who is no longer with us, outweighs the joy of that play. Shaq expressed his longing for Kobe’s presence, stating that he would trade that moment to have Kobe sitting beside him.
Despite their well-known differences and conflicts during their playing days with the Lakers, Shaq and Kobe were able to develop an unbreakable bond in the years following their retirement. Shaq was deeply impacted by Kobe’s untimely and tragic death three years ago. Although time has passed, it is evident that Shaq has not fully moved on from the loss of his dear friend and teammate, as the memories and emotions associated with Kobe’s passing continue to resonate with him.
https://twitter.com/ClutchPointsApp/status/1665498147181805570?s=20
