“It’s going to be great, actually,” Bryant said following the Lakers’ win Saturday over the Kings. “It’s well deserved, beyond well deserved. I’m very very happy for him and proud of him. He’s made a smooth transition from player to now commentator and so forth.”
Kobe and Shaq may have had their differences off the court but ever since Shaq has made the transition from player to announcer and entertainer, their friendship has grown enormously.
“Shaq and I have a really, really good relationship now,” Bryant said. “It’s good. I think it’s a good lesson for all of us.”
Right Kobe is. When working together, the dynamic duo won three straight NBA championships and looked as if they would be the next great dynasty within basketball for years. Unfortunately for Laker and basketball fans, the two could not seem to get along off the court and it resulted in a split.
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Ever since, the two have traded their shots at one another, but now realize that what they had was special and could quite possibly be never done again. Realization of dominance to that level is something that in time fixed their relationship.
“I think we appreciate each other more now than ever,” Bryant said. “I think the further you get away from the history that you had together, the more you put perspective on it on how dominant we were.”
“I had a chance to see him this season,” Bryant said, “but it’s going to be very very special.”
The Lakers resume play Tuesday night against the Dallas Mavericks on NBA TV. During halftime, the Lakers will add Shaq’s number 34 to their collection of Laker legends’ retired jerseys. Phil Jackson and Jeanie Buss are scheduled to speak during the ceremony.