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

There have been many great duos in NBA history, but none better or more fun to follow than Kobe and Shaq, they won three straight titles together and their names will be linked forever. Say hello to Shaquille O'Neal when he's done. I imagined myself talking to a group of people about Kobe Bryant. I usually present in the context of this Hall of Fame induction or as a guest speaker at a Kobe and Vanessa foundation event, but I could never have imagined he would be here today speaking. at his funeral and it hurts me deeply like all of you.

I am still devastated by 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 lost loved ones on that tragic day. We agree that we cry with you. We will all be changed forever on January 26th as we know the legacy of the Black Mambas will be more than just being one of the greatest basketball players of all time and believe me. Whoever Kobe was was truly a gift and the telogen student of the game. I remember him saying these guys are playing checkers and I'm here playing chess and I would say I guess that's what he called me.

I don't know how to play chess. but I can tell you that Kobe ate what filled Kobe's heart was his greatest pride was his role as a loving husband-dad Vanessa-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 have had a very complex relationship over the years, but not unlike another leading duo, John Lennon and Paul McCartney, who are creatives for each of the greatest musical themes of all. the times. Kobe and I pushed each other to play some of the best basketball of all time and I'm proud that no other team has achieved what the three-title Lakers have done some checks and the Kobe Lakers have improved and yes, sometimes I have mature children that we are possibly fake, we forbid it or we rudely insult each other. comment on our field, but make no mistake, when people start, we were on bad terms when the cameras were off, he and I would wink at each other and say, let's go scream, you never took it seriously and the truth, Kobe and I .

I always maintained a deep respect and love for each other the day I won the day Kobe earned my respect was the guys complaining about her fumbling the ball. Kobe didn't pass the ball. I said: I will talk to him. I said Kobe there's no me on the team and Kobe said I know but there's an Emmy so we go back until Ricky and Big Shot Baba said just get the rebound it won't pass Mamba they took you away from us too soon you next chapter of

life

was just beginning, but now it is time for us to continue your legacy, you yourself said that everything that negative pressure challenges is an opportunity for me to rest, so now we take that wise advice and now we rise from the anguish and begin with the healing, just know that we have your back, little brother.

I'll take care of things down here. I'll be sure to teach Natalia Bianca and baby Capri all your moves and I promise I won't teach them my free throw techniques, but for now I'll take comfort in that as we speak, Coby and Gigi are here. holding hands walking to the nearest basketball court. Colby will show us the Lumumba rules today and Gigi will soon send a message to Kobe or the MVP of heaven. I love you man, until we meet again, rest in peace.