Why Shaq And Kobe Bryant’s Mom Have a Special Bond

NBA legends Shaquille O’Neal and the late Kobe Bryant will no doubt be two names that will forever be brought up when it comes to iconic sports rivalries. But despite their issues, the two ultimately made amends and built a respectful friendship years later. If you had any doubts on whether or not the two were actually on good terms, what O’Neal has recently revealed should be enough to prove you otherwise.

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The four-time NBA champion player sat down with PEOPLE where he detailed that in the years since Bryant’s passing, O’Neal has been looking after his mother Pamela and checking in on her on a consistent basis. As you know, the world was shocked to learn of the death of the popular former Lakers player who was killed in a deadly helicopter crash in California in January 2020. Bryant was one of nine people who tragically lost their lives as did his 13-year-old daughter Gianna.

In the five years that have gone by, O’Neal shared that he calls Bryant’s mother Pamela on a monthly basis and even sends her flowers to try to aid in her grief.

 “I always check in on Kobe’s mom. I check in on his mom once a month, make sure she’s okay,” he said. “I just try to make her smile. I just try to do whatever I can, because I know it’s tough.”

O’Neal went on to say that due to his former teammate’s death and the death of Bryant’s father Joe (who passed away in July 2024), he’s sensitive to what Pamela may be going through and just wants to be there for her how he can.

“Their mom has been through a lot in a couple of years, and that takes a toll, and sometimes you just need somebody to just call to check on you,” O’Neal said. “I kind of know what it feels like with the passing of her son, but I don’t know what it feels like to lose a son and a husband, so I’m sure she has a lot of pain that she’s dealing with.”

 The “Biological Didn’t Bother” rapper also said that he taps in with Bryant’s sisters Sharia and Shay since they all stay in Vegas.

O’Neal was just one of many NBA stars who showed up and spoke kind words about Bryant during his funeral, noting that the late Oscar-winning star was his “little brother, a loyal friend and a true renaissance man.”