Gotta admit, this is a little tidbit of Shaq (and Kobe) history that we here at ShaqFu Radio didn’t know. Always cool to get some fresh info! And yes, there’s a connection to another GOAT – Michael Jordan.
It’s a well-known hoops fact that our man Shaq, along with his superstar Lakers partner Kobe Bryant, were one of the greatest “dynamic duos” in the history of the game. With the Lakers, the pair pulled off the Championship three-peat, something that’s only been equalled by the Jordan-led Chicago Bulls.
It was the end of the 2002 NBA season. The Lakers were in the Finals, facing the New Jersey Nets. Back in the day, throwback jerseys were a big thing, and Kobe apparently liked the look. He broke out a few “throwbacks” for each of the NBA Finals games that year.
Just before Game Four of the Nets series, Kobe got his hands on a copy of Jordan’s number 32 uni. That was kind of a natural at the time, as Kobe and the Lakers were chasing the three-peat. Jordan and the Bulls did it, and the Lakers were on the verge of history for themselves. At the time, the Lakers were already up 3-0 on the Nets.
As for Kobe, he idolized MJ since he was a kid. He’s talked about growing up with the dream of making it to the NBA one day. Kobe did indeed enter the Association in 1996. He made no secret of the fact that he continued to study Jordan and his game, even as he was creating his own stardom.
Still, Kobe’s idea to wear MJ’s jersey before Game Four of that Finals series didn’t go over very well with his Lakers partner Shaq. Seems O’Neal didn’t like him becoming another Jordan. O’Neal wanted him to be just Kobe Bryant.
Kobe wanted to wear the MJ jersey, but Shaq took exception. He went as far as to suggest that his “little brother” take off the jersey. It was Shaq’s opinion that Kobe forge his own style. Needless to say, that’s exactly what he did.
History shows the wearing of the jersey didn’t have a negative impact on Kobe’s play. The Lakers won Game Four 113-107. Kobe had 25 points. Afterwards, there were pictures of him celebrating the win with a cigar, just like Mike did after his big wins.
The Lakers did indeed complete the three-peat.. The last time that’s been done in the NBA. Could it happen again in the future? Sure. But for now, the Lakers have the history.
