The LA Lakers legends Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant experienced a lot of success in their eight seasons of playing together in LA between 1996 and 2004. The superstar duo won three consecutive titles from 2000 to 2002. However, O’Neal and Bryant later ended up feuding, with the former being shipped to Miami in 2004.
Assumptions about the Feud
For years, many assumed that O’Neal’s trade request was solely due to his poor relationship with Bryant. The feud between the two high-profile athletes was well-known in the basketball world, and it was widely believed to be the main reason for O’Neal’s departure from the Lakers.
O’Neal’s Clarification
However, the big man has since clarified the main reason he left LA. In an appearance on the “All The Smoke” podcast last year, O’Neal spoke in-depth about his decision to leave the Lakers. Contrary to popular belief, O’Neal’s departure was not primarily due to his relationship with Bryant.
The Real Reason: Pay Cut
O’Neal explained that the main reason he left the Lakers was because the team asked him to take a pay cut. This financial aspect, rather than the feud with Bryant, was the driving factor behind O’Neal’s decision to move on from the team and find success in Miami.
