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Former Los Angeles Lakers teammates Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal had one of the most highly-publicized spats in the history of the association. However, with the two legends now retired from the sport, the hatchet has been buried deep. So much so, that according to Shaq's ex-wife Shaunie O'Neal, Bryant has a standing offer to train their 15-year-old son, Shaqir.
O'Neal and Bryant arrived in L.A. at the same time. In the summer of 1996, Shaq signed with the Lakers as a free agent after four successful years with the Orlando Magic. That same offseason, the team acquired Bryant via a draft-day trade with the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Vlade Divac.
The two had eight roller-coaster seasons as teammates — winning a celebrated three-peat in the process — before Shaq's unceremonious exit in 2004. Many believe that at that point, the relationship between the two alpha males had gone beyond repair, and that the Lakers had to choose between the two.
O'Neal went on to play for seven more season and with four different teams, including the Miami Heat where he won his fourth NBA title. For his part, Bryant was literally the chosen one for the Lakers organization and he led the team to two more titles before finally calling it a career in 2016.
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Over the years, the two have let bygones be bygones and have put their past behind them. They may not be the best of friends, but this recent report proves how their relationship has extended to their own families.
It was O'Neal's former spouse herself who shared how Kobe has been kind enough to leave an open invitation for Shaqir, who many believe has a promising future in the NBA.
“Kobe always offers … we're just so far from each other, but he always offers,” she said.
Here is the full video courtesy of TMZ Sports.
