If there’s one thing Shaquille O’Neal has proven over the years, it’s that his heart is just as big as his 7-foot-1 frame. The NBA Hall of Famer, entrepreneur, and global icon is known for making grand gestures—especially when it comes to honoring his late friend and teammate, Kobe Bryant. His latest act of kindness came in the form of a very special restoration project at a small but talented custom auto shop in Riverside, California.
Effortless Motors, co-owned by Ahmad Abdelrahman and Daniel Ubario, has built a reputation for fine craftsmanship and a love of exotic and sports cars. For them, cars are more than just work—they’re passion projects. That passion caught the attention of one of their biggest clients ever: Shaquille O’Neal.
Shaq had already trusted the shop with several of his custom sports cars, but in June, he brought them a project unlike any other. It wasn’t a Ferrari or a Lamborghini—this time it was a 1996 Toyota Land Cruiser. But this SUV wasn’t just any old vehicle. It once belonged to Kobe Bryant and his family.
“When I found out it was Kobe’s car, it felt unreal,” said Ubario. The vehicle had endured tough conditions over the years—from snowy Philadelphia winters to the harsh Las Vegas desert sun—and it showed up at the shop in rough shape. Faded paint, worn seats, and outdated mechanics meant this job would require a full 360-degree restoration.
Shaq had one clear instruction: return the car to its original 1996 condition, no modern upgrades, no shortcuts. And there was one more catch—he wanted it ready by August 23, which would have been Kobe’s 47th birthday. The timeline? Less than two months.
“It’s a huge honor, but also a lot of pressure,” Abdelrahman admitted. “We didn’t even think twice. I told them, where’s the car? We’ll make it happen.”
The restoration became a labor of love, fueled not just by their craftsmanship but by their shared love for the Lakers. Piece by piece, the Land Cruiser came back to life: a fresh coat of factory paint, reupholstered seats, restored electronics, and careful detailing that made it feel brand new again.
But Shaq’s plan wasn’t just about nostalgia—it was about family. On Kobe’s birthday, the restored SUV was presented to Pam Bryant, Kobe’s mother. The gift was both a touching gesture and a reminder of the deep bond that remains between the Bryant and O’Neal families.
“She was super happy,” said Anthony C. Hall, Shaq’s longtime friend. “People who saw the car before couldn’t believe it was the same vehicle. That’s why I love Shaq—he’s just a giving person.”
The moment highlighted the complex but meaningful friendship between Shaq and Kobe. While their on-court rivalry was fierce and their personalities sometimes clashed, their mutual respect and brotherhood endured beyond the game. This restoration project was Shaq’s way of showing that the legacy of Kobe Bryant isn’t just about championships—it’s about love, family, and remembrance.
For Effortless Motors, it was the opportunity of a lifetime. For Shaq, it was another example of how he continues to honor those who meant the most to him. And for fans, it’s a powerful reminder: even years after Kobe’s passing, Shaq is still making sure his friend’s memory rides on.