During their eight seasons together with the Los Angeles Lakers, Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant won three championships in four NBA Finals appearances. As O'Neal is an NBA on TNT analyst, Bryant is focused on the art of storytelling following their careers.
With the Lakers set to retire both of Bryant's jersey numbers on Dec. 18 against the Golden State Warriors, O'Neal discussed his relationship with his former teammate and declared them the most dominant duo in team history according to OWN:
The feud between O'Neal and Bryant is well-documented. While the two legends are on good terms now, they battled to see who could win more championships without each other. In the end, O'Neal won one more with Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat in 2006 while Bryant won two more with Pau Gasol in 2009 and 2010.
With Bryant retiring following a 60-point performance against the Utah Jazz over a year ago, the Lakers are trying to establish a new era in franchise history. With President of Basketball Operations Magic Johnson and general manager Rob Pelinka leading the way, there is great optimism with the young core of Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball.