Shaquille O’Neal, one of the most dominant forces in NBA history, has always been known for his brute force and imposing nature on the court. A true icon of the game, he recently took to Instagram to share a picture that included some of the greatest players of all time. However, it was the notable absence of a certain teammate that left fans in shock and disappointment—Kobe Bryant.
The exclusion of the late Lakers legend from O’Neal’s Mount Rushmore of basketball greatness has sparked outrage among fans, and a certain icon has been targeted to be included in the list instead of the Laker’s icon.
Shaq’s basketball Mount Rushmore sparks fan backlash
Former Los Angeles Lakers star Shaquille O’Neal caused a stir among fans when he shared an Instagram post featuring Stephen Curry on a basketball Mount Rushmore alongside Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. While O’Neal’s intentions behind the post with the caption “who’s missing” were unclear, it sparked interesting conversations and fueled debates, especially with the inclusion of Golden State Warrior’s talisman Stephen Curry.
Curry’s performance during the 2023-24 regular season has been outstanding. With an average of 29.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game, Curry has proven himself as a prolific scorer. His shooting percentages of 47.6 from the field and 43.2 from behind the arc further solidify his position among the league’s elite.
However, despite Curry’s individual success, the Golden State Warriors have struggled to find collective momentum, currently holding the 11th-best record in the Western Conference.
While opinions differ on whether Curry deserves a place on a basketball Mount Rushmore, there is no dispute regarding his status as one of the greatest point guards in NBA history and one of the premier players of his generation. As the ongoing debate continues amongst the enduring passion of basketball fans worldwide, there is no shying away from the fact that both Steph Curry and Kobe Bryant are icons of the game of the NBA.
How long did Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant play together?
Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, two iconic figures in basketball history, shared a tumultuous yet successful partnership during their tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers. From 1996 to 2004, the dynamic duo experienced incredible highs and enduring tensions, captivating fans and media alike.
In 1996, the Lakers welcomed both Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant to the team, setting the stage for what would become a formidable partnership. However, even in the early years, signs of tension began to emerge. In 1998, Shaq’s jealousy over Kobe’s soaring jersey sales led to accusations of selfishness on the court. Nonetheless, their talent and determination propelled the Lakers to their first NBA championship in 2000.
The 2000–01 season marked a turning point in the relationship between Shaq and Kobe. The duo openly feuded, stemming from Shaquille O’Neal’s poor physical condition during training camp and their conflicting playing styles. Despite their differences, the Lakers thrived, securing their third consecutive championship. The team’s slow start and Shaq’s injury, however, hampered their chances of winning a championship the following season.
The 2003–04 season brought new challenges as Kobe faced rape accusations, adding further strain to an already fragile partnership. Adding fuel to the fire, the team signed Karl Malone and Gary Payton, altering the team’s dynamic. Shaq’s omission of Kobe from his “healthy for teammates” statement only deepened the divide.
In 2004, the Lakers’ championship run came to an end, and both Shaq and Kobe found themselves on separate teams. However, as time passed, the bitter rivalry softened. In 2006, the two former teammates greeted each other warmly, and Shaq praised Kobe’s incredible 81-point performance. The following year, Shaq even defended Kobe against rumors that asserted Bryant had forced the Lakers to trade him.
Later, the tragic passing of Kobe in 2020 deeply affected Shaq, who considered him family despite their feud. Shaq expressed his grief and described his loss as losing a little brother.
Despite any reservations or disagreements that may have existed between them, both Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant undeniably left an indelible mark on the NBA, leaving their greatness and impact far beyond individual statistics or team successes.
