It’s been a devastating few days in the NBA community as fans and players grieve the tragic death of Laker legend Kobe Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash early Sunday. Tributes to the icon have been pouring in from across the world, and one of the most powerful, moving reflections comes from his former Laker teammate, Shaquille O’Neal.
During a special tribute to Bryant on NBA on TNT, Shaq, who recently lost his father and sister, broke down as he shared how painful the last few days have been for him. With tears streaming down this face, Shaq recounted how he learned of Bryant’s passing and how he struggled to believe the news.
“I haven’t been sleeping, I haven’t been eating. I haven’t been doing the things I normally do. I work, we laugh, we kid, we joke, when I get back home and look at reality…it just hurts,” Shaq said.
The two former teammates went through a lot together, winning straight three championships together in LA and, after years of feuding, forging a deep and lasting friendship. During his remarks, Shaq also reveled that the last time he spoke to Bryant was right before his legendary, 60-point final game.
“The last time I talked to him was when I asked him to get 50 and he got 60. That’s the last time I spoke to him,” he said.
He lamented that he didn’t just pick up the phone more often.
“I wish I could say one last thing to the people that we lost,” Shaq said. “Because once you’re gone, you’re gone forever.”