Kobe Bryant Walks Back Criticism and Defends Shaquille O'Neal in Attempt to End Lakers Beef
By Karl Rasmussen
Kobe Bryant caused a bit of a stir recently after he made comments in an interview with Patrick Bet-David in which he criticized Shaquille O'Neal's work ethic. Bryant said that he would have won 12 rings if Shaq shared his intense mindset.
Well, his comments were taken a bit more seriously than he intended, so Bryant has decided to clear the air on Twitter, using an O'Neal coined phrase to help squash any potential beef.
Don’t get it confused. He was still the #MDE
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) August 28, 2019
Bryant declared Shaq the "M.D.E," a nickname created by the big fella which stands for Most Dominant Ever.
While O'Neal's work ethic was a sticking point in the pair's working relationship, ultimately leading to their split after the 2004 NBA Finals loss, Bryant wanted to make sure that his recent comments weren't intended to insult his former teammate.
"Shaq kept going to the FT line & missing them. So he threw the ball out to me, I'm not throwing that s**t back in there. I kept shooting them. He says 'Dude, you gotta throw me the ball.' I said 'Man, f**k that, get the rebound if I miss.’”
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) August 28, 2019
KOBE BRYANT
pic.twitter.com/5fATg2XKdt
Shaq clapped back with a few hilarious comments of his own, calling out Kobe for his shot selection and lack of passing in the 2004 Finals, while boasting about his iconic statue outside STAPLES Center.