Kobe Bryant, one of the greatest players to play in the NBA, demonstrated great commitment to the game and earned numerous awards and accolades throughout his decorated career. The LA Lakers’ faithful servant etched his name in the franchise’s history books, inspiring memorable title-winning moments.
Following Shaquille’s blockbuster trade from the Lakers in 2004, after a remarkable stint with Kobe, a former short-tenure teammate of Kobe has recently revealed the effect it had on Kobe amidst his subsequent level of success.
Kobe Bryant’s ex-teammate makes bold claim on Lakers icon
The duo of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal were one of the most lethal partnerships in the league’s history, in which they shared the stage for eight years at the Lakers. Shaquille O’Neal in 2004 left for the Miami Heat after a failed off-court chemistry with Kobe Bryant. Kobe’s former teammate Trevor Ariza on Club Shay Shay, disclosed that Kobe was experiencing sleepless nights, especially when Shaquille found success with the Miami Heat by winning another ring.
Kobe Bryant failed to secure a playoff victory in 2005, just a year after Shaquille’s trade, and faced early eliminations in the first round the following two years, which, according to Trevor Ariza, infuriated Kobe. Ariza stated, “It drove him to sleepless nights. He wanted to prove that he was who he thought he was.”
Furthermore, despite Kobe Bryant having the opportunity to equal Shaquille’s number of rings in 2008, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen of the Boston Celtics shattered the Black Mamba’s dream in the NBA Finals. Ariza, who played alongside the Black Mamba at the Lakers from 2007 to 2009 and was significant in the team’s achievement of NBA Finals in both years, stated words likely to be taken with high regard.
How many rings did Kobe Bryant win with Shaquille O’Neal?
The duo of Kobe and Shaquille began when Shaq joined the Lakers in 1996, achieving great feats together that fans marveled at due to their dominance. The duo remarkably secured three consecutive NBA championships. Their first NBA championship came in the 1999-2000 season, defeating the Indiana Pacers, with Shaquille earning the Finals MVP award.
Kobe and Shaquille’s second NBA championship was in the 2000-2001 season as they continued their success by securing a second straight NBA championship, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers. In the matchup, Kobe and Shaquille combined for a stunning 59 points. Impressively, Kobe and Shaquille completed a three-peat by clinching a third straight NBA championship in the 2001-2002 campaign, defeating the Brooklyn Nets and earning the Lakers their 14th NBA title, marking the third ring for Kobe and Shaquille together.
Surprisingly, Shaquille got traded in 2004 to the Heat, following the Lakers’ final loss to the Pistons. Shaquille went on to clinch another NBA championship in 2006, which left Kobe frustrated without a ring, not until his back-to-back victories in 2009 and 2010, while partnering with Pau Gasol. The achievements of both Kobe and Shaquille have remained an inspiration to young talents in the league, which they can equal or surpass.
