Thanks for the repost. I really enjoyed the chemistry between these two without an actual basketball game going on. In my unconventional realm of professional basketball relationships/experience, one of my favorite opportunities is to watch two either very similar or different personas have conversations which elicit their true emotions, vulnerabilities and the notion of self-concept. For once, it appeared, both Black Mamba and Shaq could put their egos aside and reminisce over the incredible success they had together as a tandem in LA. Sure, with a close eye, you can still sense the tension over a few items, but overall ,it was nice to see how they've grown past the gossip, Shaq's ridiculous "Kobe can ____ my ____" raps in the club and the triangularization they suffered at the hands of Coach Satan aka Phil "I Can't Win Without an Established Dynasty" Jackson. I guess it sounds goofy of me, but I found myself smiling as I watched. I think, perhaps, it was because how much joy and laughter these two had between them at a certain point in time. Those days have passed, but as they rehashed the memories, you could see them reliving those moments with genuine smiles. There's some thing about that I admire...maybe it's my mortality...who knows?! Kobe and Shaq were easily one of the best duos I have ever seen. When the Lakeshow was visiting, you knew you were in for hell. If Shaq got in foul trouble, Kobe was going for 45 and we all know how scary games got in those final minutes when nobody could stop him. Not Ruben Patterson. No one. As much as I love the Rockets, I enjoyed the terror of watching Cuttino guard Kobe better than anyone could have, all just to see him nail a 3 with 10 seconds left. You knew it was coming, but it was always shocking. I miss some of that NBA. rant//Codman's Debbie Downer: Any time that the King series was mentioned was an immediate trigger for me. We ALL know that the Kings/Lakers series was rigged, and watching game 6 and 7 over shows one of the most disgusting examples of betting in pro sports that I've seen. The Kobe and Shaq powerhouse was done that year. Sactown had their number, but the league/refs didn't find Bibby/Cwebb/Peja/Dougie/Vlade to be sexy enough to warrant a championship. That bothers me, and it still does. It's not as blatant anymore, but there are subtleties in the playoffs when an agenda is in play. Just let the guys play...that's why we watch// Ridiculous Story (pretty well known in circles/Ears): When Shaq used to roleplay in his "Superman"/"Diesel" alterego before games, he would take a picture of certain players from opposing teams and tape them on the chair. As a display of his super powers....when the urge hit, "Superman" would sit down and cropdust said-player's face as his hilarious way to self-motivate total destruction come game time. Even worse (funny) : certain other Lakers would use the same chair to "bust a move" pre-game as an ode to the stench they would place on that team/player for the next 48 minutes. Obviously, this is all communicated during fun events, but Shaq used his "powers" to the max on players on the Knicks. Sorry, Pat. Lol Sorry for the rambling. Done for the night.
Wow great video, really dayum good. I respect Kobe as a player alot more after seeing his passion and drive to win. The nickname of Black mamba suits him well. It’s dissapointing somewhat that Hakeem never had that killer instinct guard playing alongside him during his peak years. Shaq always had one during his finals appearances, Penny, Kobe, and Wade. It’s heartening as a Rockets fan that Hakeem didn’t need a guard in their prime to win. But the total number of championships will never be more than some of the other great centers who bounced around the league for winning championships.
don't waste your time watching two emotional lesbians trying to masturbate their own egos in front of each other.
I became a Kobe fan once he stood out as an old man in a game that was changing, in my opinion, for the worse. I admire his competitive spirit and concept of integrity. My dad somehow knew someone who delivered pizzas to both Hakeem and Shaq; apparently, Shaq was a way nicer dude to a pizza delivery man than Dream. That counts for something.
When you're trying to end your Ramadan fast with a double beef and mushroom and the delivery guy won't shut up and give you the box, you're bound to get hangry.
So Kobe had a bone spur in his foot during that Boston series? Yet his critics use that series to say Gasol "carried" Kobe lol. Also after watching that interview it hit me now that Shaq never carried Kobe for 3 rings. Shaq admittedly came in outta shape & coasted while Kobe molded his game. 2 of those rings were lead by Kobe. That interview exposed a lot stupid myths about Kobe's career
Chuck and Shaq going at it pre-game. Chuck calls Shaq lazy and tells him they should have won more rings; Shaq gets defensive
Meanwhile, if Dwight even thought about SMILING while he was in LA, the media & Kobe would have burned his house down.
Finally Shaq let his guard down, you can just see the ego being suppressed. Kobe just has that ego, but in a more mature way. He acknowledges his ego and has fun with it. Great interview, though I wish they’d address the beef in more detail, but like Codman says, some stuff still hurts. I didn’t care much for calling the Kings the ‘Queens’.