Although the threat happened more than seven years ago, it illustrates Shaq's obsession with Bryant, then and now. Or maybe Shaq finally realizes that after all the rants and cheap shots thrown in Bryant's direction, it will be Kobe that ultimately has the last laugh.
Whether you believe it was Kobe's or Shaq's fault for their eventual break-up doesn't really matter, because in the end the Lakers were forced to make a decision and they chose Bryant.
In hindsight it was a great decision since O'Neal's last days as an elite player were only two seasons away. But while Shaq has found the heart to forgive the Lakers organization, he has never forgiven Bryant.
In fact, it seems the passing of time has hardened O'Neal's heart even more towards Bryant to the point where he actually finds comfort in Kobe's failures.
Remember Shaq's "Kobe, tell me how my ass tastes?" That little gem from O'Neal came after the Lakers loss to Boston in the 2008 NBA Finals, but what exactly was Shaq doing during that time?
I guess O'Neal was watching Kobe lose in the Finals, because that was as close as he would ever get to that stage again.
O'Neal briefly found success as Dwyane Wade's side-kick in 2006, but after that championship Shaq began his second career as an NBA journeyman, a player who was much more popular for his quotes than his game.
Once O'Neal's athleticism began to fade, there was little substance left to fall back on, as all the years of neglecting to improve his skills finally caught up with him.
The same can't be said for Bryant.
While Shaq was enjoying his final moments in the sun with the Miami Heat, Bryant was end...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
