Shaq and Kobe Bryant Make Peace

In a meeting of nations not seen since the Paris Peace Conferences of 1918 and 1975 (Look it up kids), Lakers Nation our long Lakers nightmare is over.

We have peace in our time, in the form of digital media.

For those who have not heard it seems Lakers legends Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal have buried the hatchet.

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In a move that may may have to do with this being his last season Kobe will be featured on an upcoming episode of “The Big Podcast with Shaq”, as they discuss their legacy as teammates and “frenemies” on the early 2000’s Lakers teams that won three NBA titles in a row.

If I sound a bit cynical of this show of maturity by two players one retired and the other facing retirement, it’s because as a Lakers fan I think I can safely speak for fellow fans in saying this is probably ten years too late.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s nice that Kobe and Shaq have finally put their past problems behind.

For better or worse the famous pair are linked together as they ushered in the the post Michael Jordan era of the new millennium.

Of course with success came the inevitable clash of personalities as the two superstars clashed for the imaginary title of “Alpha Dog,” causing Lakers fandom to be split down the middle as to who was the “man” on the team.

When Shaq and Kobe did play nice one could argue that they were an unstoppable force such as the 2001 NBA Playoffs, when the Lakers set a record going 15-1 in the playoffs in route to their second of three straight titles.

Alas though the annual championship parades and champagne showers were not enough, as the relationship crumbled under the obstinate personalities in a hellish 2003-04 season where Kobe was facing jail time during his infamous criminal trial for sexual assault and Shaq clashed with owner Dr. Jerry Buss over his contract.

When Shaq was traded in the off-season and Kobe was given free rein it seemed neither was happy unless they were still taking verbal shots at each other, such as when after the Lakers lost in the 2008 NBA Finals.

Shaq performed a rap ridiculing Kobe’s inability to win a title without him and begging the question as to what a part of Shaq’s anatomy tasted like.

Kobe equally threw out verbal barbs when after collecting his fifth NBA title reminding reporters that “got one more than Shaq.”

Bottom Line: It’s all water under the bridge.

Though the podcast isn’t out yet one telling quote by Kobe has come out.

That’s right Kobe both of you acted like idiots and probably robbed the NBA of many more great championship moments, but as a Lakers fan I’m glad you guys could come together and finally admit it.