Shaq Reveals Real Reason He Parted Ways With Kobe

Shaquille O’Neal looks back on his split from the Lakers and says he believes he and Kobe Bryant could have won seven championships together. Shaq explains that his departure wasn’t simply about their famous feud—he says money and his unwillingness to accept a smaller role played a major part. After eventually winning another title in Miami, Shaq admits that if he could do it again, he might have taken less money, handed the team over to Kobe, and finished his career in Los Angeles.

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Shaquille O’Neal says he and Kobe would’ve won 7 titles with the Lakers, but he refused to take $7 million to $10 million less per year and joined Miami

“Seven. The reason why I got traded, it wasn’t about me and Kobe beef. It’s they wanted me to take less money. Not doing that”… pic.twitter.com/m75ki2aJ6P

— dank (@cptdankkk) September 15, 2026