Shaquille O'Neal Speaks at A Celebration of Life for Kobe and Gianna Bryant

there have been many great duo's in the history of the NBA but none better or more fun to follow than Kobe and Shaq they won three titles in a row together [Applause] and their names will be linked for all time please welcome Shaquille O'Neal [Applause] [Music] [Applause] when I have imagined speaking to a group of people about Kobe Bryant I usually pitch in the context of this Hall of Fame induction or as a guest speaker one of Kobe and Vanessa's foundations event but never ever could I've imagined that I'd be here today speaking at his memorial and it pains me to my core like all of you I continue to be devastated over the loss of my friend I'm a little brother Kobe Bryant and my beautiful niece Gigi - Vanessa and the kids Kobe's parents sisters and other families who've lost their loved ones on that tragic day we agree we grieve with you all of us will forever change on January 26 as we know the black mambas legacy will be more than just being one of the greatest basketball players of all time and believe me who be Kobe was truly a gift it and the telogen student of the game I remember him saying these guys are playing checkers and I'm out here playing chess and I would say I guess so called me I don't know how to play chess but I could tell you that Kobe eat what fill Kobe's heart was the most pride was his role as a loving husband - Vanessa daddy - GG and Natalya Bianca and baby Capri and a loving son and brother Kobe was a loyal friend and a true renaissance man as many of you know Kobe and I had a very complex relationship throughout the years but not unlike another leadership duo John Lennon and Paul McCartney who's creative for every led to some of the greatest music of all time Kobe and I pushed one another play some of the greatest basketball of all time and I am proud that no other team has accomplished what the three-peat Lakers have done some checking and the Kobe Lakers better [Music] [Applause] and yes sometimes I get mature kids we arguably false we ban it or insulted each other with offhand remarks our field but make no mistake you when the folks start we were on bad terms when the cameras are turned off he and I would throw a wink at each other and say let's go whoop some ass you never took it seriously and truth Kobe and I always maintained a deep respect and a love for one another the day I gained the day Kobe gained my respect was the guys were complaining she shed Kobe's not passing the ball I said I'll talk to him I said Kobe there's no I in team and Kobe said I know but there's an Emmy so we're back until Ricky and uh and Big Shot Baba said just get the rebound he's not passing Mamba you were taken away from us way too soon your next chapter of life was just beginning but now it's time for us to continue your legacy you said yourself that everything negative pressure challenges is all opportunity for me to rest so we now take that sage advice and now rise from anguish and begin with the healing just know that we got your back little brother I'll look after things down here I'll be sure to teach Natalia Bianca and baby Capri all your moves and I promise I will not teach them my free throw techniques but for now I'll take comfort in fact as we speak Coby and Gigi are holding hands walking to the nearest basketball court Colby will show us Lumumba rules today and Gigi soon message Kobe or heaven's MVP I love you my man until we meet again rest in peace [Applause]

Channel: Los Angeles Lakers

Views: 14,720,933

Keywords: Lakers, NBA, Basketball, Los Angeles, Showtime, LakeShow, LA, Sports, National Basketball Association

Id: 2fqYgNR6174

Length: 5min 18sec (318 seconds)

Published: Mon Feb 24 2020