Lakers: LA Legends Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O’Neal Share Heartwarming Moment

The two LA big men share their appreciation for one another during a TNT post-game show.

It has been long rumored that Hall of Fame ex-Los Angeles Lakers centers Shaquille O’Neal and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar have had a rocky relationship. The two apparently did not speak much to each other in years past. Shaq, a four-time NBA champion (three with LA) has previously stated that he never had a close relationship with fellow Hall of Famer Abdul-Jabbar, a six-time champ (five with LA).

During O’Neal’s time playing in the Purple and Gold, this disconnect motivated the big man to prove that he was, in fact, one of the greats alongside Abdul-Jabbar.

The “beef” between the two stars has been present for many years, so Kareem took the time to publicly clear the air with Shaq. During TNT’s post-game show following LeBron James' historic night of breaking the all-time scoring record, Abdul-Jabbar made sure to confront the situation between him and Shaq:

“[I] want to tell Shaq, I ask you specifically this evening because you felt that I was ashamed of you or ignoring you — that would never be the case," Abdul-Jabbar said. "And you showed what you were all about the way you crushed all the centers in the league for a couple of years there. So I'm on your side Shaq, don't ever let anybody tell you anything different."

Shaq responded, "Listen, you not speaking to me was the best thing that happened to my career because all I ever wanted to do was impress you, sir. I will talk to you soon, inshallah, and I love you very much. I will never ever have beef with the great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. You ain't got to worry about that."

Two of the greatest players to wear a Lakers jersey paid respect to one another and made it known that any beef that may have had previously, is now squashed. 

The big men both dominated the game and left an impact on the league, so it is satisfying to know that they have strengthened their bond. 

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