Despite Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant’s ongoing feud during the ’90s and ’00s, they ultimately buried the hatchet on a 2015 episode of The Big Shaq podcast and emerged as close friends.
So when Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna were killed in a helicopter crash on Sunday (January 26) alongside seven other people, O’Neal was understandably shattered.
In a new episode of The Big Shaq podcast, an audibly exhausted O’Neal opened up about how he was feeling. He noted he just lost his sister Ayesha Harrison who died at the age of 40 last October and admitted he was having trouble with self-care.
“I’m not doing well,” he said. “I’m sick. I’m just getting over the death of my sister. You guys told me the other day when I came in, I looked like I needed some rest. And I haven’t been sleeping after Ayesha’s death. It’s just not thinking about the good times but just the times when I could’ve said something or could’ve did something different, or could’ve loved her more or could’ve showed her more support. And the same thing hit when I found out this news.
Hip Hop Reacts To Shocking News Of Kobe Bryant's Death
“I haven’t eaten, I haven’t slept. I’m looking at all the tapes. I’m sick right now. And I know some idiot’s gonna bring up the relationship me and Kobe had. Our relationship was that of brothers. We’re brothers on this podcast, John, we argue all the time. But in real life, when I see you and your lovely wife, it’s all about respect.”
Bryant played for the L.A. Lakers for 20 years and won five NBA championships with the team ― including three with O’Neal ― before retiring in 2016.
This is gonna hurt for a long, long time,” O’Neal said. “I want to see everybody get old like Bill Russell and Dr. J so we can have stories. We still are the best duo ever created, that’s not gonna change. But I wish at 60 and 70, in the old folks home or on this show, we could talk about it. But he will be remembered.”
In the wake of Bryant’s death, countless tributes have gone up around the world. New York City’s Empire State Building was illuminated in gold and purple, while the Los Angeles Staples Center has become a makeshift memorial.
Numerous Hip Hop artists also mourned Bryant’s death on social media, including Kanye West, Drake, Chuck D, Lil Wayne, Ice-T and Pete Rock.
Get rest my brother, His spirit and ur sister still live on …. Just walk by faith and hold ur head up , Because they still with u in ur heart … Just know god got them , Make sure u get rest and be strong for ur family and friends
word
Already
Yessir
Shaq still alive after like two decades of AIDS, it’s crazy
It’s Magic not Shaq. Make your research first.
Thank you
its HIV, not AIDS. Money can prolong anything.
The media is like vultures, they are making money off Mamba’s passing. Why does every famous person have to publicly say something about this, who wants to know? They do this nonsense for soundbites and for views. Close people should mourn in privacy. Its like everyone is competing for the best ‘mourner’ award.
Also possibly for public affection? Because this is possibly a hard situation for people very close to him?
I blame social media culture in general.
Shaq and Kobe have an insane amount of fans and people who look up to them. We are all grieving collectively. Close people should mourn in privacy? Are you a psychologist or are you the law who determines that? FOH
What’s going on ?!
It was hard to see Shaq tear up about this tragedy. Life isn’t promised for anyone, no matter how big and influential that they may become. May Kobe’s legacy live on.
i’ll never forget that time he kept asking his “brother” how his ass tastes in that freestyle rap
I wanted to see what Shaq had to say. Remember when Kobe got in trouble he told the news that Shaq paid 1 million dollars hush money for his situations to go away. I understand why Shaq was upset with him because he felt betrayed by someone he felt was like a brother. I’m glad they had the opportunity to work out their differences. I hope you find comfort Shaq, and Kobe May you rip bro. Legends never die.
Damn R.i.p KOBE
Shaq for me and Kobe and Vanessa family stay strong big guy you have to.
Life is to short.
That’s what KOBE would want!
I want to meet you brother even kick it!
How do you feel about that?
I was a fan of BOTH of you!
Rest In Peace MAMBA!!
I HAVE BEEN WITH KOBE SO LONG .I DON’T KNOW IF I ANY ENERGY LEFT, TO KICK THE NICKS ,FIGHT THE BEARS, WEAR THE JERSEY,OR JUST BURN THE LAKE..WITH ONLY LOVE AND COMPASSION FOR YOU…KOBE..LIVE ON MY BROTHER, SIP…