Shaquille O'Neal Leads Crowd in Chanting Kobe Bryant's Name near Staples Center in Emotional Video

Shaq silenced a crowd outside the Staples Center before leading an epic tribute by chanting Kobe's name. Earlier, he participated in an emotional tribute and broke down in tears speaking of his pain following Kobe's death.

Kobe Bryant’s name rang loud outside the Staples Center when his good friend, Shaquille O’ Neal led a crowd to chant his name.

Shortly after his emotional appearance on “Inside the NBA,” Shaq stepped outside the Staples Center to a waiting crowd who was there to pay tribute to Kobe. At the sight of the people, the former Lakers star couldn’t help but honor his friend with an epic tribute.

THE EPIC TRIBUTE

In a clip tweeted by Sports Center, a towering Shaq with a hat on faced the crowd and signaled them to silence. When fans’ screams subsided, he raised his finger and shouted, “Kobe, Kobe,” and encouraged everyone to join in.

Shaq previously admitted on his podcast that he hasn’t been sleeping well and has been feeling sick. He had just grieved the deaths of his father and sister, and now, Kobe.

HIS EMOTIONAL CONFESSIONS

Moments earlier, Shaq broke down in tears as he described his emotions to his co-panelists in TNT’s “Inside the NBA.”

“I haven’t felt the pain that sharp in a while,” the grieving athlete said. He also expressed regrets of not being able to joke with Kobe anymore during his Hall of Fame ceremony. He added that he wished he invested more time in their friendship.

Shaq previously admitted on his podcast that he hasn’t been sleeping well and has been feeling sick. He had just grieved the deaths of his father and sister, and now, Kobe. Shaq was also especially saddened over the death of Gianna, who was born on the same day his own daughter was born.

A SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Moving forward, Shaq intends to celebrate Kobe’s life by donating all proceeds of his upcoming Super Bowl party in Miami to the late star’s charity. On Wednesday, he made the announcement on his Instagram.

Shaq revealed that he initially hesitated to push through with the event, but he reflected and realized that Kobe would have wanted him to “push through and celebrate life.”

IN THE HEELS OF KOBE'S DEATH

Upon learning the news of Kobe and Gianna’s fatal helicopter crash, Shaq took to his Instagram to share his grief and reach out to Kobe’s wife, Vanessa and their children. He also expressed his condolences to the families of the 7 other people who died in the crash along with Kobe and Gianna.

Shaq’s son, Shareef O’Neal was especially distraught because Kobe had texted him that morning to ask how he was. After replying, he never got a response from the iconic athlete. He would later learn of the tragedy.