Shaquille O’Neal’s poignant message on the fifth anniversary of Kobe Bryant’s death
Today, January 26, 2025, is the fifth anniversary of the helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. It claimed the life of Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Giannaand seven others when Kobe was only 41 years old. Five championships, two Finals MVPs, one regular season MVP and 18 All-Star Selections, he was one of the greatest if not the greatest. The NBA even renamed the All-Star Game MVP award after him, an award he won four times.
This anniversary was no different from the previous ones, How it brought emotional messages from fans and loved onesincluding one from his ex Los Angeles Lakers Teammate and friend, Shaquille O’Neal. Shaq lit the tribute today with a touching message.
Shak Posted: “I miss you lil bro and miss you and you Gigi #missiall #neverforgotle,” along with old photos of their time together on his instagram.
The two were an unstoppable duo for the Los Angeles Lakers from 1996 to 2004, leading Lakers to three straight championships from 2000 to 2002.
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O’Neal often shared how Kobe would sign up his kidsListen to them just to see how they worked, including during interviews like the big podcast with Shaka. Shakir O’Neal, Shak’s youngest son, shared a throwback photo on his Instagram story about himself as a teenager shaking hands with Kobe Bryantcaption it “Mamba Mentality”.
Shareef O’Neal, Shaq is the second son, shared a screenshot of the last text he sent him They crash on Instagram in the morning also on January 26, 2020. The text said, “You good famol?” Shareef, who is 25, replied: “Yes! I was just doing this trying to figure out my next move,” and added: “How have you been?” Now that message carries even more weight for the family as it did the last conversation before the tragic event.
During eight years as teammates, Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe played a combined 461 games. Shaq is averaging 26.8 points, 11.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists in those games, while Kobe is averaging 21.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.3 assists.
Kobe Bryant’s great legacy is passed down through his wife Vanessa, their daughters Natalia, Bianca and Capri and the million fans who continue to admire him. Even five years later, his influence has not changed at all.
2025-01-27 05:51:00
