Success in the NBA often hinges on the on-court partnership between guards and big men. Former Los Angeles Lakers star Dwight Howard believes that Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal exemplified this dynamic better than any other duo during their time in the league.
During an appearance on “Above The Rim with DH 12,” Howard expressed his admiration for the Bryant and O’Neal partnership. The Taiwan Mustangs’ star even ranked the O’Neal and Bryant duo above the well-known duo of O’Neal and Penny Hardaway.
“I’m going with Kobe [Bryant] and Shaq… They brought a lot of flare to the big and guard duo. They made it popular,” Howard said.
Bryant and O’Neal were the pillars of the Los Angeles Lakers team, playing eight seasons together from 1996 to 2004. Their on-court chemistry led to immense success, including three consecutive NBA championships in 2000, 2001, and 2002. They also made an additional NBA Finals appearance in 2004.
In contrast, O’Neal and Hardaway were a formidable duo for the Orlando Magic in the early 1990s, before Shaq’s career as an analyst. Nevertheless, they did not secure a championship together during their three seasons as teammates.
NBA Fans Regards Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal as the Greatest On-Court Duo
Like Dwight Howard, NBA fans widely acknowledge the greatness of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal’s partnership on the court during their time with the Lakers. Howard’s comments sparked a wave of admiration from fans, who echoed his sentiments about the iconic duo.
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For many fans, the Bryant-O’Neal pairing is considered ‘box office,’ with no other duo coming close to their level of impact and success in the NBA. Their chemistry and dominance made them a legendary tandem.
The hallmark of their greatness is their three consecutive NBA championships won together, a feat that sets them apart. In contrast, today’s star duo, such as Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, is still striving to win even a single ring together.
The star’s legacy continues to be a benchmark for evaluating successful partnerships in the NBA.
