logo
GettyImages       YouTube/Los Angeles Lakers
GettyImages YouTube/Los Angeles Lakers

Shaquille O'Neal Opened up about Friendship with Kobe Bryant in Moving Tribute at Celebration of Life

Olowokandi Fiyin
Feb 25, 2020
04:35 P.M.

Retired basketball player Shaquille O'Neal gave a hearty tribute to Kobe Bryant at the public memorial service held in his honor yesterday.

Advertisement

It was a sad day yesterday as celebrities and fans from all over the world celebrated the life of basketball icon Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna Bryant, in a public memorial service held at the Staples Center, Los Angeles.

 NBA basketball player Shaquille O'Neal speaks onstage at the 27th Annual Great Sports Legends Dinner to benefit the Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis at The Waldorf=Astoria on September 24, 2012 | Photo: Getty Images

NBA basketball player Shaquille O'Neal speaks onstage at the 27th Annual Great Sports Legends Dinner to benefit the Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis at The Waldorf=Astoria on September 24, 2012 | Photo: Getty Images

Advertisement

Along with Kobe and Gigi, the memorial also honored the seven other people involved in the ghastly helicopter crash on January 26.

The memorial service was led by Vanessa Bryant's emotional tribute to her late husband and daughter.

In a Youtube broadcast of her speech, the 37-year-old mother first thanked everyone for the outpouring of love and support and then proceeded to eulogize her baby girl, Gianna and then her 'soulmate,' Kobe.

Advertisement

She recalled how the thoughtful 13-year-old would always kiss her good morning and goodnight every day.

Vanessa also described Gianna as one of her best friends who, though she was a daddy's girl, loved her [Vanessa] dearly. Speaking about Gianna's love for family, Vanessa Bryant said:

"She loved family traditions, and family movie night was important to her. She was very much in tune with our feelings and wanted the best for us."

Advertisement

Vanessa went on to speak about her 'Papi Chulo,' Kobe, whom she called the 'greatest of all time.' Having been together since she was 17-and-a-half-years old, she was his first girlfriend, first love, his confidant, his best friend, and his protector.

She recalled the countless times Kobe proved to be the more romantic one of the two of them, stating that her most treasured gifts were handmade by him. She ended her speech, professing her love for them both.

Advertisement

Other celebrities took a turn to pay homage to the NBA champion, including former retired NBA stars, Shaquille O'Neal and Michael Jordan.

According to People, O'Neal referred to Kobe as 'heaven's MVP,' as he reflected on their friendship and brotherhood. Shaq admitted that the loss of his 'little brother' is indeed incredibly difficult for him to process.

Advertisement

Amidst the tears, the Newark-born athlete brought a bit of humor to a rather melancholy service, as reported by HuffPost.

According to BBC, Shaq also said that despite their complex relationship, he and Kobe always had the maximum respect for each other.

He recalled times where they argued and sometimes acted immaturely, but they always held it together to 'go whoop some ass' on the court.

Advertisement

The Hollywood Reporter also noted that O'Neal spoke about Kobe's passing on his podcast, "The Big Podcast with Shaq."

He also talked about just getting over the death of his sister, Ayesha Harrison-Jex, who died of cancer last October.

The NY Times added that the memorial, which lasted for two hours, included moving performances from Beyoncé Knowles and Alicia Keys.

Along with Kobe and Gigi, the memorial also honored the seven other people involved in the ghastly helicopter crash on January 26: John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, Alyssa Altobelli, Payton Chester, Sarah Chester, Christina Mauser; and helicopter pilot Ara Zobayan.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

John Travolta's Late Wife Kelly Got Pregnant at 47 & Risked Her Life to Carry Her 'Miracle' Baby

April 14, 2022

Liam Neeson's Sons, Who Became Semi-Orphaned on Mother's Passing, Experienced 'Double Pressure' Growing Up

January 31, 2022

Naomi Judd's Spouse of 34 Years Recalls Story about Her Generosity from Her Final Days

May 21, 2022

Naomi Judd Planned Details of Her Funeral in Advance — Ashley & Wynonna Fulfilled Her Last Wishes

May 18, 2022

Inside Tom Hanks & Wife of 33 Years Rita Wilson's Relationship with Their Biracial Granddaughter

April 29, 2022

Marlo Thomas’ Spouse Was a Virgin before Marriage to Mom of His 5 Kids & a Lousy Lover Afterward

February 03, 2022

Harry Revealed Pregnant Meghan Wanted to End Her Life ⁠— She Lived So He Would Not Lose Another Loved One

April 19, 2022

Tia Mowry's Husband Waited a Year to Ask Her Permission for 1ST Kiss Even Though She Knew He Was 'The One'

May 15, 2022

Duane 'The Dog' Chapman Would Not Grant His Wife's Last Wish after She Died

January 26, 2022

George Strait 'Eloped' with His 'Really Hot' Wife — 51 Years Later They 'Still Like Each Other'

December 05, 2022

Mark Wahlberg Wants to Devote More Time to Parenting in Private & Asks Record $87.5M for His LA Mansion

May 08, 2022

Bruce Willis' 'Big Gang of Women' Stands by Him amid His Aphasia Diagnosis — His Blended Family

April 01, 2022

Johnny Depp's 'Life as a Single Man Was Done' When He Saw Vanessa Paradis — They Split When He Met Amber Heard

May 12, 2022

David Beckham Liked Victoria When He Saw Her in a Video — Their Marriage Survived Infidelity & Divorce Rumors

April 12, 2022