Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal go a long way. But both are famous for their storied feud, something that started when both were with the Los Angeles Lakers. And for a fleeting moment, it appeared the two future NBA Hall of Famers were at it again.
Bryant was speaking to TMZ Sports recently, where the issue on how many NBA titles he could have won was discussed. Officially, the Black Mamba has five to his credit. But according to him, he could have won more alongside The Diesel if only O'Neal had the same work ethic he had.
”He’ll be the greatest of all time,” Bryant said. “He’d be the first to tell you that!”
”I wish he was in the gym! I would’ve had 12 f-----g rings!” he continued.
Initially, those comments seemed strong. But Bryant explained that these were nothing out of the ordinary. He and Shaq talk about it all the time, hinting that it was not a swipe directed at the 47-year-old big man.
But it appears O'Neal took exception to the comments. Hours later, he responded by telling Bryant that he would have had more rings if here not a ball hog, TMZ Sports said in another report.
"U woulda had twelve [rings] if u passed the ball more especially in the finals against the pistons #facts," said the three-time NBA Finals MVP.
Just like that, it appeared that both were at it again. Both eventually quashed the whole thing. Bryant said that there was no beef even if media wanted to see it happen on Twitter. O'Neal responded by saying that he thought that Kobe was talking about "Dwite" - obviously referring to the returning Dwight Howard.
Just like that, Kobe and Shaq are at peace once more. And now the topic is Howard. Both have reason to be sour at the 33-year-old, having had run-ins in the past. Howard left Bryant back in 2013 to join the Rockets while O'Neal has had his debates with the top pick of the 2004 NBA Draft.
Now officially back with the Lakers, but in a different capacity, Howard is expected to be in the hot seat. That includes Lakers fans who may (or not) embrace him with open arms for deserting them back in 2013.
Aside from that, Howard needs to make sure he remains healthy. His career has been hampered by injuries the past years, a reason for his NBA decline. He gets a chance to revive his career although he will have to earn his minutes and on a non-guaranteed contract. The main guys are LeBron James and Anthony Davis with Howard providing support.
