Shaquille O’Neal On Kobe Bryant’s Passing: I’m Sick, I Haven’t Eaten, I Haven’t Slept

Shaquille O’Neal On Kobe Bryant’s Passing: I’m Sick, I Haven’t Eaten, I Haven’t Slept

Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant had a relationship full of ups and downs. They won multiple championships as Los Angeles Lakers together and were enthralled in a heated beef toward the end of their journey as teammates. On Shaq’s podcast, “The Big Podcast,” he revealed he isn’t doing well with the news of Kobe’s death:

“Our relationship was that of brothers…I’m not doing well. I’m sick. I’m just getting over the death of my sister…I didn’t do anything. I haven’t eaten. I haven’t slept. I’m looking at all of the tapes. But, I’m sick right now.”

Shaq, 47, says he regrets not communicating more before his sudden passing:

“I wish we would have communicated more…That’s just how we are. Of course, when we saw each other it was love and respect and you know looking out for the kids. His daughter Gigi was a fabulous player. I just wish I could have talked to him before, that’s it…I just wish he was here. I wish I could say something to him.”

Shaq illustrated how close their family’s bond was:

“When I saw Kobe and his daughters — I love them. He saw my kids. He loved them. If you look at my kid’s Instagram, he talked to Shareef yesterday morning. So, all of that stuff that was documented between us was never a dislike. I love Kobe Bryant.”

Shareef O’Neal shared the messages he and Kobe exchanged just hours before the tragic accident. Shareef typed:

“This first picture were messages from THIS MORNING!!! .. I wish I didn’t sleep in so I could’ve talked to you .. I can’t even think straight right now.. I’m glad we got to bond over the years .. not only were you a great uncle you were a coach and a mentor to me too .. I love you man..thank you for everything you’ve done .. for this city , for the basketball world , and for me … I won’t let you down .. you always counted on me and lifted me up. Love you unc”

Kobe and Gianna Bryant even attended Shaq and Shaunie O’Neal‘s daughter’s basketball game the day before their tragic accident.

Shaquille O’Neal’s last words on Kobe Bryant were this:

“We are still the best duo ever created. That’s never going to change. For me, this is going to hurt a long time. I really lost a brother yesterday.”

Written by Miata Shanay