image via: twitter
Forget all the bad blood, all the back and forth trash talking and subliminal messages and all the years wasted being bitter towards each other. It was all love on Friday between Shaq & Kobe Bryant as the mamba was on hand for the unveiling of Shaq’s status outside the Staples Center. Many of Shaq’s former Lakers teammates and people affiliated with the franchise in general came out to support the diesel but of course, most eyes were on Kobe & Shaq.
It was a great day all around and we have to start with the moment the statue was officially revealed.
It's official!@SHAQ's statue is unveiled at Staples Center. #TheBigStatue pic.twitter.com/DGdoOkS76G
— NBA TV (@NBATV) March 25, 2017
That had to be such an epic moment for Shaq to be up there and see himself in the bronze status, forever remembered as one of the greatest Lakers and greatest players in history.
As the presentation went on, Kobe gave a speech where he called Shaq “The most dominant player I’ve ever seen”, which is high praise coming from Kobe. He then went on to tell this great story of the time Shaq wanted to really beat the Spurs and David Robinson in the playoffs because of how he claimed Robinson had treated him when he was younger.
"The most dominant player I've ever seen" – @KobeBryant #TheBigStatue pic.twitter.com/A9iVWlBdtK
— NBA (@NBA) March 24, 2017
The Lakers triangle was even together on stage for a few minutes.
Kobe, Shaq, and Phil forever pic.twitter.com/rIyqiLFFJ9
— Harrison Faigen (@hmfaigen) March 24, 2017
The plaque that will be unveiled next to Shaq's statue outside Staples Center. pic.twitter.com/2ZlGOBrapj
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) March 24, 2017
Of course if wouldn’t be Shaq if he didn’t address the crowd in typical fashion.
Once again, congrats to Shaq on the statue and the legendary career.
Written by @IamJoeSports