In December 2018, Shareef O'Neal, the son of NBA legend Shaq, underwent heart surgery to address a condition that put his basketball career at risk. It was a trying time for the then-UCLA freshman, and he needed all the support he can get. One of his biggest advocates happened to be Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.
Shareef recently opened up about how Kobe played a critical role during his road to recovery. Apparently, Bryant went out of his way to make sure that Shareef was doing okay:
âHe was one person who always checked in with me,â Shareef said, via ClutchPoints on Twitter. âLike every single day of my [open heart] surgery, he would always message me, âHow you doing today?' He always looked out for me, make sure I was good. Anytime I needed to get in the gym he said, âOh yeah, you can call me. You know where I am,' if he was busy. He always looked out for sure â me and my siblings.â
"He was one person who always checked in with me. Like every single day of my [open heart] surgery, he would always message me, 'How you doing today?' He always looked out for me."
đŁď¸ Shareef O'Neal on Kobe Bryantpic.twitter.com/dxnNGKXRkX
â ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) July 19, 2022
The feud between ex-Lakers teammates Kobe and Shaq is well-documented. However, it is also common knowledge that the pair hashed out their differences, and they eventually became close friends. This friendship extended to their families, with Kobe clearly establishing a bond with Shaq's kids.
Right now, Shareef is hoping to make his mark with the same team both his dad and Kobe Bryant played for for many years. Shareef just hopes he makes them proud now that he looks to establish his own career in the NBA.
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