Shaquille O'Neal'S Heartfelt Dreams: Remembering Kobe Bryant Five Years On

Dreams of a Legendary Partnership

Sometimes, dreams can whisk us back to cherished moments of the past, and for Shaquille O'Neal, they often feature the unforgettable Kobe Bryant. Recently, Shaq shared with People that the late Los Angeles Lakers superstar has been making appearances in his dreams, bringing back vivid memories of their glory days on the court.

“If I lay there the first five minutes, I don’t go to sleep, then I just start dreaming, and last night I was dreaming about me and Kobe and all the championships we won,” Shaq revealed.

The dynamic duo, who played together for the Lakers from 1996 to 2004, clinched three consecutive NBA championships between 2000 and 2002. Shaq fondly recalls dreaming of their victory parades, reliving those joyous moments that defined their careers.

The Brotherhood Beyond Basketball

Shaq and Kobe's partnership wasn't just limited to the basketball court. Their bond extended beyond, and Shaq continues to honor this connection by supporting Kobe's family. Following Kobe's tragic death in a helicopter crash in 2020, alongside his daughter Gianna and seven others, Shaq has remained in touch with Kobe's mother and sisters, offering his support.

“Their mom has been through a lot in a couple of years, and that takes a toll, and sometimes you just need somebody to call to check on you,” Shaq shared, emphasizing the importance of staying connected with Kobe's family.

Reflecting on a Complex Relationship

Despite the success they achieved together, Shaq has openly discussed the "complex" relationship he shared with Kobe. "As many of you know, Kobe and I had a very complex relationship through the years," he noted during a speech honoring Bryant. Yet, much like the creative rivalry between John Lennon and Paul McCartney, it was this dynamic that fueled their triumphs on the court.

Shaq also reflects on the future he had imagined with Kobe, envisioning them growing old together and celebrating the Lakers' milestones. "[I thought], ‘We’re both going to get old. We’ll both be at the 50-year Lakers anniversary," he shared, lamenting the memories that will now never be made.