Shaquille O’Neal Releases Touching Statement On Kobe Bryant’s Death

Lakers legend Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash at 41, and left the world in shock. Shaquille O’Neal remembered his deal friend and former Lakers teammate following his shocking death on Sunday.

Bryant was flying in a private helicopter with four others in Calabasas around 10 a.m., and there were no survivors.

Countless tributes poured in for the legend, and O’Neal expressed his sadness and disbelief over the death.

“There’s no words to express the pain I’m going through now with this tragic and sad moment of loosing my friend, my brother, my partner in winning championships, my dude and my homie,” O’Neal said in an Instagram caption, sharing a photo of him carrying the Mamba.

“I love you brother and you will be missed. My condolences goes out to the Bryant family and the families of the other passengers on board. IM SICK RIGHT NOW !” 

View this post on Instagram

There are no words to express the pain I’m going through now with this tragic and sad moment of loosing my neice Gigi & my friend, my brother, my partner in winning championships, my dude and my homie. I love you and you will be missed. My condolences goes out to the Bryant family and the families of the other passengers on board. IM SICK RIGHT NOW !

A post shared by DR. SHAQUILLE O'NEAL Ed.D. (@shaq) on Jan 26, 2020 at 1:33pm PST

O’Neal’s son, Shareef, tweeted out his last text message exchange with the Lakers legend. He revealed that the two had spoken on Sunday morning, right before the crash.

“Literally this morning you reached out to me…. ” Shareef said. “I love you forever unc. I love you.” 

Literally this morning you reached out to me ….? I love you forever unc❤️ I love you pic.twitter.com/3oVgvKKUkm

— Shareef O’Neal (@SSJreef) January 26, 2020

Shaquille and Kobe won together

The Black Mamba played for the Los Angeles Lakers for two decades and won five championships with the team. Three of these titles came during his game with Shaquille O’Neal. Bryant retired in 2016. Bryant and Shaq had a loving and contentious relationship. They liked to compete with each other, but their friendship was stronger than anything.

A lot of friends, fans and former teammates paid respect to Bryant after the news of the tragedy spread.

Numerous athletes shared their respect and praise for the Black Mamba. Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and wideout Julian Edelman shared a message on Instagram.

That’s not all. Bryant’s 13-year-old daughter Gianna was in the chopper, too. There are no survivors, and the world grieves. Bryant was a great star, and his name will be long remembered. He was often mentioned in the GOAT debate, but the discussion didn’t even touch him. He was brilliant, and that’s the only thing that matters.