sportbible homepage
sportbible homepage
  • Football
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • Home
  • Football
    • Premier League
    • Champions League
    • World Cup
    • England
    • Transfer News
    • Manchester United
    • Liverpool
    • Arsenal
    • Real Madrid
    • Barcelona
  • Formula 1
    • Red Bull
    • Ferrari
    • McLaren
    • Mercedes
    • Max Verstappen
    • Lewis Hamilton
    • Lando Norris
    • George Russell
    • Charles Leclerc
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • More Sport
    • Tennis
    • Golf
    • NBA
    • NFL
    • Darts
    • Athletics
    • Rugby
    • Wrestling
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Snapchat
TikTok
Threads
YouTube
Submit Your Content Here
  • LADbible
  • Tyla
  • GAMINGbible
  • LADbible Group
  • UNILAD
  • FOODbible
  • UNILAD Tech
Kobe Bryant cemented himself on NBA's Mount Rushmore after iconic Shaq feud comeback

Home> NBA

Published 10:25 18 Jun 2025 GMT+1

Kobe Bryant cemented himself on NBA's Mount Rushmore after iconic Shaq feud comeback

Kobe Bryant had the most iconic response for Shaquille O'Neal after winning his fifth championship in 2010 after beating the Boston Celtics.

Godwin Mathew

Godwin Mathew

google discoverFollow us on Google Discover

Kobe Bryant secured his fifth championship with the LA Lakers in 2010 and one particular response mentioning Shaquille O'Neal during the post-victory press conference left everyone in stitches.

Bryant and O'Neal are considered to be one of the greatest duos of all-time. Their stint together with the Lakers was historic as they won three championships and showcased dominance in all their title runs.

However, it is well established that the star duo did not get on well in the final few years as teammates. Ultimately, this led to O'Neal leaving the Lakers to join the Miami Heat in 2004.

This worked out well for Shaq as he won a championship in 2006 and while Bryant was putting up great numbers, the shooting guard was not immediately able to lead the Purple and Gold to an NBA title without the big man.

Advert

In 2008 he carried the Lakers to the Finals, but lost to their rivals Boston Celtics, leading to some in the game believing he could not win without Shaq.

Just a year later he silenced all those critics by winning his fourth championship by beating the Orlando Magic in the Finals. But Bryant was just not done and had more to say the next year.

Photo credit should read MATT CAMPBELL/AFP via Getty Images
Photo credit should read MATT CAMPBELL/AFP via Getty Images

Kobe Bryant's cold response after winning the 2010 championship

In 2010, Bryant once again led the Lakers to a championship and this time it was sweeter as it came against the Celtics - the same team that beat them in 2008.

The 18-time-All Star had won his fifth and the last championship of his career.

After the win, 'Black Mamba' was asked in his press conference about the feeling of winning a fifth ring.

Bryant said: "Got one more than Shaq, so you can take that to the bank.

"You know how I am, I don't forget anything."




Bryant and Shaq resolved their conflict

After a glorious career, Bryant decided to retire in 2016 and had one of the best farewell games anyone could have asked for. He scored 60 points against the Utah Jazz and it was in front of a packed arena with fans and his family there.

Shaq had already retired from the game and he resolved his conflict with Bryant.

The four-time asked Kobe to score 50 in his final game and although Bryant refused it at first, he eventually went and did it.

After the 60-point farewell game the duo shared a warm embrace, showing the world they still had a lot of respect for each other.

Their relationship got better after Bryant retired and they even did an interview, speaking about their stint together and how many more championships they could have won if they stayed together.

After his untimely death, Shaq has come out and spoken several times when Bryant's name is excluded from the best players list or the GOAT debate, which often only included Michael Jordan and LeBron James.

Featured Image Credit: Photo by John W. McDonough /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images

Topics: Kobe Bryant, NBA, Shaquille ONeal, LA Lakers, Basketball

Godwin Mathew
Godwin Mathew

Godwin loves all things Sports and if he is not writing, he is definitely playing football, basketball or engaging in some other form of physical activity. He is a Chelsea fan and began following the NBA because of the late great Kobe Bryant.

X

@godwin__mathew

Recommended reads

Tyson Fury explains why his 14-year-old son Prince has “no choice” but to become a boxerGettyTyson Fury targets Jon Jones clash as next move after boxing confirmedGetty“I don’t fight for a country” – Michael 'Venom' Page reveals why he won’t walk out with a flag at UFC LondonGeoff Stellfox/Getty ImagesLerone Murphy details ‘bucket list’ fight ahead of UFC LondonChris Unger/Zuffa LLC

Advert

Choose your content:

12 mins ago
7 days ago
22 days ago
a month ago
  • Getty
    12 mins ago

    NCAA basketballer goes viral over astonishing height difference to 6ft 8in opponent

    Olivier Rioux, of the Florida Gators, stands at a towering 7ft 9in tall.

    NBA
  • Getty
    7 days ago

    Former NBA and NFL cheerleader reveals contract clause which can't be broken

    Maxxine Dupri performed as a cheerleader in both the NBA and the NFL and lifted the lid on the strict contract clause.

    NBA
  • Twitter/@dstnylttltn24
    22 days ago

    US basketballer shares terrifying footage after struggling to find safe room during strikes in Israel

    Destiny Littleton is currently playing basketball overseas in Jerusalem.

    NBA
  • X/@Jeffbuilds
    a month ago

    Tyler Reddick addresses Michael Jordan incident with his child at NASCAR race

    NASCAR driver Tyler Reddick responds after NBA legend Michael Jordan received backlash for a clip involving his young son.

    NBA
  • Shaq demands $50million from LA Lakers after making firm Kobe Bryant statement
  • Kobe Bryant had feud with NBA star after he made 'inappropriate' comment to LA Lakers legend's wife Vanessa
  • Viral Kobe Bryant response after injury blow offers inspiration to Tyrese Haliburton after brutal setback
  • Kevin Durant snubbed Kobe Bryant when naming best defensive player he's faced in NBA