One of the most dominating players in NBA history, Shaquille O’Neal, recently revealed how he used to motivate legendary Kobe Bryant during their Los Angeles Lakers days. Comparing the Black Mamba to one of the greatest NBA players of all time, Michael Jordan was justified. However, Shaq used the example of a high school player, LeBron James, to motivate Bryant.
Shaq and Kobe played eight NBA seasons together at the Lakers, winning three consecutive NBA championships from 2000 to 2002. The pair went on to become one of the greatest NBA duos in history. While a few teams have clinched an NBA championship three-peat, Shaq and Kobe’s Lakers were the last to achieve this feature.
In the recent episode of The OGs Podcast with Udonis Haslem and Mike Miller, Shaq appeared as a guest and discussed winning championships with the Lakers, among other topics. While discussing his relationship with Kobe Bryant during their time together at the Lakers, Diesel revealed his unique way of motivating Bryant.
He said, “I used to say something personal to make him mad on purpose because I knew that’s when he’d play his best.” Shaq would tell him, “You’re not Michael Jordan, or They got this kid LeBron [James] in Cleveland; Bron’s the man, you ain’t.”
How Good Was High School’s LeBron James?
Lakers star forward LeBron James joined the St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in 1999. He played four years for the Akron, Ohio-based high school and lost just six games in his tenure. The three-time Ohio Mr. Basketball won three state championships, averaging 25.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 5 assists while shooting 55.8% from the field.
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In 2003, the Cleveland Cavaliers picked LeBron James first overall in the NBA Draft. The all-time leading NBA scorer will enter a joint-record 22nd season on October 22 as the Lakers begin their 2024-25 season against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Also Read: Is Kobe Bryant The Greatest Laker Ever? Ranking The Greatest Lakers Stars Of All-Time
