In his recent appearance on ‘The Old Man & The Three,’ Shaquille O’Neal addressed the perception of his rivalry with Kobe Bryant and shed light on their relationship. According to Shaq, the key factor that kept them together was mutual respect. While they had their intense moments on the court, they maintained a deep respect for each other, which contributed to the longevity of their partnership.

Shaq emphasized that their bond was evident after they won their first championship against the Indiana Pacers. Despite the presence of numerous players on the court celebrating the victory, Kobe immediately ran toward Shaq, highlighting their respect for one another. Shaq believes that as long as there is respect, any conversation and relationship can thrive.

Regarding their split, Shaq primarily attributes it to the Lakers’ front office rather than Kobe himself. After completing the three-peat in 2002, the Lakers faced a defeat against the San Antonio Spurs in the West semi-finals, and in 2004, they lost to the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Finals. It was during the summer of 2004 that Shaq was traded, and he felt that the Lakers’ attempt to persuade him to accept a lower salary was disrespectful, considering his contributions to the franchise.

In summary, Shaq clarified that his relationship with Kobe was not driven by animosity but rather by a desire to push each other to excel. He believes that the Lakers’ front office played a significant role in the split between him and Kobe, as they failed to prioritize keeping the dominant duo together.