Shaquille O'Neal Posts Touching Tribute to His 'Brother' Kobe Bryant and 'Niece' Gigi Following Tragic Accident

Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal had a rocky relationship during their playing days, but the two of them experienced the highest of highs together while with the Los Angeles Lakers. They won three championships together, and formed a lifelong bond with each other, one which appears to have strengthened in recent years.

And in the wake of the death of Bryant and his daughter, Gigi, O'Neal sent out a heart-wrenching post honoring both of them.

"There's no words to express the pain I'm going though with this tragedy," he said. O'Neal called Gigi his "niece" and Bryant his "brother" in the post, emphasizing just how deep the loss cuts.

It's hard to imagine the pain that O'Neal is feeling in the wake of the tragic helicopter crash. Their relationship was unlike anything the league had ever seen, before or since.

They were one of the most dominant duos in the history of the NBA, and though they had their quarrels, they were able to move past it all in time.

Shaq and Kobe made plenty of fond memories together both for themselves and for countless fans, and they will forever be linked, even now that Bryant is gone. It's a tragic shame that this iconic relationship can't further blossom in the years to come. NBA history has lost so much on this Sunday.