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Shaq Shows True Character With Kobe Bryant Family Decision

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Sep 11, 2025 6:56 PM ET

When Kobe Bryant passed away in January 2020, Shaquille O'Neal said he felt like he "lost a little brother." Well, his latest actions proved that his bond with his former teammate was legit.

O'Neal, a four-time NBA champion and 15-time All-Star, revealed that he checks in with Bryant's mother Pamela every month. He just wants to make sure she's okay given all the heartbreak she has dealt with over the years. Not only did she lose her son in a tragic helicopter accident, her husband Joe passed away in July 2024.

"I always check in on Kobe's mom. I check in on his mom once a month, make sure she's okay," O'Neal told PEOPLE. "Their mom has been through a lot in a couple of years, and that takes a toll, and sometimes you just need somebody to just call to check on you. I kind of know what it feels like with the passing of her son, but I don't know what it feels like to lose a son and a husband, so I'm sure she has a lot of pain that she's dealing with."

O'Neal also said that he sends flowers to Bryant's mother whenever he can.

"I just try to make her smile. I just try to do whatever I can, because I know it's tough," O'Neal added.

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 13: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers hugs former teammate Shaquille O'Neal after retiring from basketball scoring 60 points against the Utah Jazz at Staples Center on April 13, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. Bryant played his last game as a Laker and retired from basketball. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Shaq and Kobe's bond on the court.

The Los Angeles Lakers were lucky to have both Bryant and O'Neal on their roster from 1996-2004. They won three straight championships from 2000-2002 before making it back to the NBA Finals in 2004.

It was heavily reported that Bryant and O'Neal argued over their roles towards the end of their run in Los Angeles. The latter was ultimately traded to the Miami Heat for a haul that featured Lamar Odom.

Despite their ugly breakup in the 2000s, Bryant and O'Neal got back on good terms in the 2010s. In fact, Shaq gave his former teammate credit for passing him on the all-time scoring list.

"I'm proud of him," O'Neal said. "I'm happy for him, and, most of all, I want to thank him for being a part of the greatest 1-2 punch ever created, never to be duplicated."

If we had to guess, we probably won't see another 1-2 punch like Shaq and Kobe.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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