Why does O Neal think that Kobe is the second person in history? O Neal admires and likes Kobe very much

June 9, in the history of the NBA, the combination of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal is undoubtedly one of the most legendary duo. Together, they won three consecutive championships for the Los Angeles Lakers (2000-2002), creating the glory of the "Lakes Dynasty". However, the relationship between the pair was not smooth sailing, and they went through a complex process from intimacy to conflicts and then to final reconciliation. O'Neal has publicly stated many times that Kobe is the second person in history after Michael Jordan. Behind this evaluation is not only the recognition of Kobe's basketball skills, but also a deep understanding of their special brotherhood.

O'Neal and Kobe's first encounter was in 1996, when O'Neal was already the league's super center, while Kobe was a high school rookie who had just entered the league. Despite the fact that age and experience were far apart, the two quickly formed a tacit understanding on the court. O'Neal's dominance and Kobe's scoring ability complement each other, causing the Lakers to rise rapidly. O'Neal once recalled: "Bryant showed his unique talent and fighting spirit from the beginning, and he was the hardest player I have ever seen." This appreciation of Kobe stems from Kobe's hard training day after day and his persistent pursuit of victory.

However, as Kobe grew up, the relationship between the two began to rift. Kobe's ambition and competitive spirit make him unwilling to be O'Neal's deputy, and he is eager to become the leader of the team. O'Neal, on the other hand, was dissatisfied with Kobe's "lone wolf" style and thought he was too selfish. The conflict between the two reached its peak in the 2003-2004 season, which eventually led to O'Neal being traded to the Miami Heat. O'Neal later admitted: "At that time, we were all too young and too stubborn, and we didn't know how to communicate and compromise." The conflicts during this period caused many speculations about their relationship, and some even believed that they were incompatible.

But in fact, the relationship between O'Neal and Kobe is much more complicated than it seems. Despite their fierce disputes on the court and in the locker room, deep down they always maintain respect and appreciation for each other. O'Neal once said: "Bryant is the closest player I have ever met to Jordan. His skills, willpower and desire to win are all top-notch." This evaluation is not polite, but O'Neal's sincere recognition of Kobe's basketball achievements. Kobe is the same, and he mentioned O'Neal's influence on him many times after retirement, saying O'Neal was one of his most important teammates in his career.

The reason why O'Neal regards Kobe as the second person in history is largely because he has witnessed Kobe's growth and transformation with his own eyes. From being a young boy when he first entered the league to becoming the five champion and the league's signature star, Kobe's career is full of legends. His "Mamba spirit" inspired countless young people, and his cold-blooded performance at critical moments is even more amazing. O'Neal once said: "Bryant's killer instinct at the last moment of the game is the strongest I have ever seen, and he can always stand up when he needs it most." This recognition of Kobe's ability is an important reason why O'Neal ranks him second in history.

In addition, the relationship between Kobe and O'Neal also reflects a special brotherhood in basketball. Although they had conflicts and disputes, they all chose to understand and tolerate in the end. When Kobe retired, O'Neal said emotionally: "The story between us is like a movie, with climaxes and lows, but in the end we understand each other's value." After Kobe's death, O'Neal was even more sad. He expressed his nostalgia and reluctance to Kobe in public many times. This emotion transcends ordinary teammate relationships and is more like a bond between brothers.

From a basketball technology perspective, the combination of Kobe and O'Neal is so successful because of their complementary skills and styles. O'Neal is the overlord of the inside, his strength and explosive power make the opponent unbearable; while Kobe is the killer of the outside, his skills and shooting ability are perfect. The two formed a powerful offensive that combines internal and external forces on the court, making the Lakers almost unmatched. O'Neal once joked: "My combination and Kobe are like a tank and a sports car, and we are invincible together." This complementarity is not only reflected in the competition, but also in their personalities - O'Neal is humorous and cheerful, Kobe is serious and focused, and the differences in their personalities have become the lubricant for their cooperation. The story of Kobe and O'Neal also reminds us that great partnerships are often accompanied by friction and challenges. Their success is not accidental, but is achieved through constant running-in and compromise. O'Neal later reflected: "If we could communicate better at that time, we might have won more championships." This regret just illustrates the complexity and depth of their relationship. Although they have failed to work with the Lakers, their story has become one of the most classic chapters in NBA history.

In general, O'Neal regards Kobe as the second person in history, not only a recognition of Kobe's basketball achievements, but also a commemoration of their special brotherhood. Their relationship went through the entire process from cooperation to conflict to reconciliation, an experience that gave them a deeper understanding of each other. The story of Kobe and O'Neal tells us that true greatness is not only reflected in the court, but also in the understanding and tolerance between people. Their legend will continue to inspire future basketball players and fans to become an indelible part of NBA history.