Former Los Angeles Lakers teammates Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant satirized their long-running rivalry in a funny video promotion.
Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant know how to market a feud. Capitalizing on their long-running battle of egos, the two NBA greats filmed a humorous commercial for the new NBA 2K18 Legends edition video game.
As the cover athlete, O’Neal was seen staging a press conference to announce the game’s release.
“What a huge honor it is to be named NBA 2K18 Legend edition cover athlete,” O’Neal says at the podium.
Humbly, he continues: “I really wouldn’t be here without the guidance, love and support of my mom and dad. Also, I want to thank my coaches, both college and professional. But most of all I would like to thank …
“Kobe Bryant?”
O’Neal looks puzzled, then hesitantly continued honoring Bryant for previously being a cover athlete and his “nice, natural teeth.”
The camera pans over to Bryant, who is working the teleprompter in back of the room. He smiles. A front tooth sparkles.
O’Neal and Bryant played together with the Los Angles Lakers from 1996 to 2004. Together, they helped lead the Lakers to three consecutive NBA championships (2000-02) and reach the NBA Finals in 2004. Their on-court success, however, could not create locker-room harmony.
Differences in personalities and disagreements over their roles eventually forced O’Neal’s trade to the Miami Heat in 2004, ending a dynasty-in-the-making.
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Tensions between O’Neal and Bryant were so profound, former coach Phil Jackson dedicated parts of his book “The Last Season: A Team in Search of Its Soul” to the bitterness the two superstars felt for each other.
At least O’Neal and Bryant know how put their differences aside for the right cause – money.
The feud continues …
O’Neal ended the commercial by looking into the camera and promising: “This ain’t over, Kobe. Paybacks will be fun.”