The Shaquille O'Neal - Kobe Bryant duo was undeniably successful, yet it was not without its challenges. Their individual aspirations of wanting to be the team's undisputed primary player often resulted in a conflict of egos.
While most would recall how their partnership concluded in the most acrimonious circumstances, the 7'1" center once revealed a story that showcased how he never stopped believing in Black Mamba's ability, even during the period of repeated playoff disappointments.
Diesel never stopped believing in Bryant
During the 1996-97 season. Shaq was arguably the most dominant player in the Western Conference, averaging 26.2 points and 12.5 rebounds per game. Having led the Lakers to a commanding 56-26 record in the regular season, O'Neal was looking to take his team all the way.
However, the Lakers faced a stern challenge in the second round against John Stockton and Karl Malone's Utah Jazz. As the Jazz took a commanding 2-0 lead in the series, Kobe, then in his rookie year, felt his nerves rattling as he shot 31.6 percent from the field after shooting 41.6 percent in the regular season.
Things went from bad to worse in Game 5 when Bryant threw an airball several times in the last five minutes of the fourth quarter. As a result, Utah secured a 98-93 win to eliminate the Lakers. While the young Black Mamba had his head down in dejection, O'Neal was the first to comfort him.
"I can remember the defining moment for Kobe. We were playing at Utah; Utah was killing us in the playoffs," O'Neal said . "His last three shots were airballs; he had his head down. I remember putting my arm around him, and I said, 'You know what? Don't worry about it, young fella. One day, people are going to fear you taking the last shot.'"
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Shaq urged Kobe to remember that moment
That was not the only instance where The Big Aristotle's message to a young Bryant was revealed. During an episode of The Icons Club podcast, host Jackie MacMullan recounted how the 2000 MVP advised Kobe to remember how Jazz fans laughed at him and vowed to get back at them together.
"Look at all these people laughing at you. One day, we're gonna get them back," MacMullan said . "Don't worry, someday everyone is gonna be screaming your name."
Although they did not succeed early on, O'Neal consistently bolstered Kobe's confidence. Although he also enjoyed irking Bryant, Shaq never hesitated to provide his teammate with the assurance he needed to become an NBA superstar. Once he got to that level, the two were unstoppable.
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