Shaq on Anniversary of Kobe’s Passing

January 27, 2025

January 26, 2025, marks five years since the tragic helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, that claimed the lives of Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, and seven others.

Kobe, just 41 at the time, left behind a legacy few can rival—five championships, two Finals MVPs, one regular-season MVP, and 18 All-Star selections. He was not only a basketball icon but also a global inspiration. The NBA honored his memory by renaming the All-Star Game MVP award after him—an accolade he earned four times.

This solemn anniversary, like those before it, brought heartfelt tributes from fans and loved ones. Among them was Kobe’s former teammate and close friend, Shaquille O’Neal, who shared an emotional message on social media.

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Shaq posted on Instagram: “Miss you lil bro & miss you too Gigi #missyall #neverforgotten,” accompanied by nostalgic photos of their time together.

Shaq and Kobe were more than teammates—they were a force of nature for the Los Angeles Lakers from 1996 to 2004. Together, they led the franchise to three consecutive championships from 2000 to 2002, cementing their place as one of the greatest duos in NBA history.

Off the court, the bond between Shaq and Kobe was equally impactful. O’Neal has often shared stories of how Kobe looked out for his kids, frequently checking in with texts just to see how they were doing. Shaqir O’Neal, Shaq’s youngest son, honored Kobe today by sharing a throwback photo of himself as a teenager shaking hands with the Lakers legend, captioned “Mamba mentality.”

Shareef O’Neal, Shaq’s eldest son, also reflected on his connection with Kobe. He reposted a screenshot of the last text Kobe sent him on the morning of the crash back in 2020. Kobe had simply asked, “You good fam?” Shareef responded, “Yeah! Just been getting this work in trying to figure out my next move. How you been?” That message, once an ordinary exchange, now holds profound meaning for the O’Neal family.

During their eight years as teammates, Shaq and Kobe played 461 games together. Shaq posted dominant averages of 26.8 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in those games, while Kobe contributed 21.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.3 assists. Together, they achieved greatness, but it was their contrasting personalities and competitive fire that made their partnership unforgettable.

Photo courtesy Getty Images

Kobe’s legacy lives on through his wife, Vanessa, and their daughters, Natalia, Bianka, and Capri, as well as the millions of fans who continue to honor him. Even five years after the tragedy, his influence on basketball, life, and the “Mamba Mentality” remains as strong as ever.

Shaq’s tribute serves as a poignant reminder of the indelible bond between these two legends and the impact they left on and off the court. Rest in peace, Kobe and Gigi. You are gone but never forgotten.

 

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