TNT (DR) / Keith Allison (CC)

It was alongside Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade that Shaquille O’Neal won his 4 NBA titles. But what about the relationship between Diesel and the two former superstars? The Magic legend recently opened up about it.

From the moment he stepped foot on the league’s court, Shaquille O’Neal became a terror. Standing at 6’11” and weighing 300 pounds, the Hall of Famer was instantly unstoppable for his opponents.

To the point that he is now considered by most observers to be the most dominant player of all time. However, history teaches us that individuality is not enough to win.

At the Magic, it was with Penny Hardaway that the pivot managed to reach the NBA Finals in 1995. Unfortunately for them, this series against the Rockets was lost 4-0.

And how can we not also mention Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade when talking about the superstars with whom Diesel evolved. It was with these last two that he was able to obtain his 4 rings.

Shaq Opens Up About His Relationship With Kobe and Dwayne Wade

Kobe and Shaq were a duo that worked throughout the league. The famous Three-Peat of the Lakers at the beginning of the 21st century is one of the greatest periods in the history of the franchise. But as we all know, their relationship tarnished, and the 2000 MVP was eventually traded.

In the company of Penny Hardaway in The Big Podcast , he then opened up about his disagreements with the Black Mamba and Dwyane Wade.

I realized I never fought with Penny. But I didn’t with the others. Every day, we fought with Kobe, especially when he became the Black Mamba. With Dwayne Wade, at first, our relationship was like Penny. Then I said to him, “You want to be the boss? OK, then do something.” That was after we got dominated in Game 2 of the Finals in 2006.

I was almost in a four-man fight. I told him I wasn’t the same Shaq anymore and he had to take responsibility. And he took responsibility for everything. So with D-Wade, we only had one fight.

According to numerous reports, Shaq and Kobe could hardly stand each other at the end of their collaboration. But over time, the two were able to reconcile and become very good friends again.

With the Flash, the relationship was more fluid during the 4 years he spent under the Heat jersey. If the former center had to pack his bags, it was more due to his declining level and the need of the Miami franchise.

On the other hand, although they never lifted the Larry O’Brien trophy together, Penny Hardaway and the four-time champion visibly had a very healthy relationship.

Kobe Bryant was apparently not a very easy person to live with. Shaquille O’Neal also had a strong character. That’s why the two argued regularly. On the other hand, the exchanges were often much more peaceful with Dwyane Wade and Penny Hardaway.