Big brother, little brother | Shaq vs. Kobe, Part 1

The "Shaq-Kobe beef" has become kind of a meme, just a flat cultural reference point. How to Make a Basket: Shaq vs. Kobe endeavors to go deeper than that, to figure out why and how these two legendary partners didn't get along, and how they achieved such greatness in spite of that.
Part 1 begins in 1996, when both Shaq and Kobe became Los Angeles Lakers. Shaq wanted a sidekick. A little brother. Kobe, even as a teenager, was laser-focused on making the Lakers his team. They found success, but first they fought.
Directed and edited by Ryan Simmons
Edited by Jiazhen Zhang
Art direction and motion graphics by Mike Das
Written and produced by Seth Rosenthal
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[@LrrOfOmicronPersei8]

The fact that SB consistently makes these amazing top-quality docs is astounding. This team behind these productions is really at the top of the game. Props to everyone involved 👏

[@MoralesCorner]

They never miss with these. By the way they hyped it up I was expecting a two hours doc tho

[@tonitigre]

Bro out here patting himself on the back thru his burner…. Congrats to you and your production team, brother.. you guys made another great video

[@PaversPaveToThePave]

@@MoralesCornerThis is only part 1 fyi.

[@MoralesCorner]

​@@PaversPaveToThePavemy bad then

[@caseykiesling4348]

I love these and I love anything dorktown related

[@capavico4922]

Oh man finally. Long time SB fans here know that not anyone other than Seth would've narrated this better man. Waiting for the upcoming episodes. 🙌

[@KobayashisEgo]

They are the goat fr (Also nice pfp)

[@PeezyMadePill]

Facts Seth & the Female are my favorite narrators on this platform

[@grantclemons3618]

Clara Morris, good night and good game. Yeah sb nation is honestly some of the best nba content ever. I laughed so hard in the one where she said "and then reggie Miller looked back at the camera and said 'I'm not washed up yet' and drained a three."

[@reillydougherty2166]

@@PeezyMadePillshe’s terrible

[@MoralesCorner]

​@@PeezyMadePillshe's beyond annoying

[@gabrielsoto3259]

Not going to lie I actually got a little teary eyed at the end when they talked about Kobe. That man gave me and my family so many memories growing up

[@eatingyuhheard3604]

Me too bro im ngl

[@David-iv6je]

Most of these are shitty. This was good stuff.

[@thepubknight6144]

I did as soon as Kobe was speaking on their first fight

[@connorbonstein4048]

Was just about to say this. Just beautiful

[@ballinman5]

I definitely did. This time period and this player are the reasons I feel in love with the game.

[@senororlando2]

Can we appreciate that Seth is bringing this heat with a newborn at home

[@fortynights1513]

Congrats to Seth!

[@dominicpancella3012]

Not the hero we deserved, but the hero we needed. Also that baby is in good hands

[@waxrelic7052]

R.I.P. Black Mamba. Thank you for the upload.

[@kidpeligro7878]

Went straight to practice right after winning the ring. Kobe's competitive engine is insane! Him and MJ by far had the ultimate killer mentality

[@poindextertunes]

you can add Patrick Mahomes II to that list

[@fortynights1513]

Say what you want about Kobe, but he certainly took no shortage of time practicing his craft.

[@TheBINIBALL]

@@poindextertunes Tom Brady and Cristiano Ronaldo as well.

[@abudabi1995]

Killer mentality is the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard It means nothing they’re all professionals

[@Alexander_Grant]

@@abudabi1995 You think they all work the same? Why is it, when they're all gifted athletes, we still have superstars? Why do you see some with all the gifts in the world unable to compete at the same level as someone who isn't physically as gifted? I think your mindset must come from someone who has never played sports at a competitive level higher than tee ball. The great Yogi Berra said "Baseball is 90 percent mental, the other half physical," and while that is a baseball quote, it applies to all competition. Look at Ben Simmons for a excellent example the other way.

[@victorli2127]

I always wondered if Kobe teaming with Dwight Howard forced him to appreciate Shaq more. Shaq and Howard are similar in that they both like to joke around and have fun -- things the all-business Kobe never had time for when he was playing. The difference is that when the game starts, Shaq wants to kill you. With Howard, he always came across as someone who wanted to win but have a good time doing it and wasn't going to run you over the Shaq would.

[@CrazyxEnigma]

Can't remember where I heard it, might be Stephen A? But yeah dealing with Dwight put things in perspective for Kobe in regards to Shaq.

[@gabrielsoto3259]

He did. Stephen A smith said that during the 2012-2013 season when Kobe was teammates with Dwight that Kobe called Shaq and told him that

[@abudabi1995]

Lol appreciate Shaq more? Look at the box scores in the finals I think Kobe knew

[@theapologist6717]

@@abudabi1995 I think he means more attitude not ability.

[@user-sx5fn8yo5s]

Shaq got replaced wtf Is you talking about

[@PanelFlow]

The fact that this is free is always amazing. Top tier quality. It's amazing- I haven't watched a basketball game in years, and I was too young to see any of this era, but I'm totally gripped by the story and the way that SB plays through the themes of a storyline. Always fantastic.

[@krishnawidardjo5777]

Just watching this partly, I realized how much of a "work love" Pau Gasol is for Kobe. Pau is the exact opposite of Shaq - no talk, no diva, pass first Center. Shaq may win more with Kobe, but Pau complemented Kobe much more.

[@KASHYAP772]

I’d put it this way: Shaq was undoubtedly a better player than Pau, but the dynamic of the respective duos probably brought Kobe and Shaq below their ceiling as a duo while Kobe and Pau were able to exceed their ceiling as a duo.

[@fortynights1513]

⁠​⁠@@KASHYAP772Shaq is my favorite player ever, but I could totally see that description (though I have to wonder what the ceiling could’ve been if winning three titles doesn’t hit it). However when you describe Pau and Kobe the way you do, and how they complimented each other, I have to wonder: What if Pau and Kobe played the whole 2000’s together? My guess would be this: They’d probably not be a serious contender in the early Millennium so the teams they beat in the conference playoffs would have played one another with the conference finals teams winning it all (you’re welcome Sacramento). But once Pau develops, they probably become serious contenders through the mid to late 2000’s assuming they could still put a team around those two. Kobe might not get five rings, but he could have had a consistent second option for the whole decade instead of what happened. What do you think?

[@oia_trab2306]

​@@fortynights1513 Honestly think not much would change. The 2000's were just dominated by truly elite bigman like duncan, garnett and obviously shaq. As good as gasol was, he is clearly a level below these other guys and would probably not make the difference for a title contending team. Even dominant defensive bigman like Jermaine, ben wallace etc would make Pau struggle. So I dont think Kobe and Pau would win any chips until shaq has exited his prime and duncan/garnett have gotten old, so from 2008/2009 ish, which is exactly what happened irl. Kobe would dominate all those years btw, because no defender at SG could match him during the 2000s, or his entire career for that matter.

[@shorewall]

The Kobe/Pau Lakers weren't just those two. As a Lakers fan during the 2000s, I always think of it as Kobe and the 3 headed monster of Pau, Odom, and Bynum. Pau was the best big they had, and his arrival changed things, but the fact that the Lakers could rotate between those 3 bigs, and basically always have 2 of them on the floor, was their competitive advantage. I also think it helped with a lot of Kobe's bad shots. I remember reading in the Sports Page about "Kobe Assists", where he would miss a shot, and then Pau or someone would get the rebound and score.

[@jackinthebox6056]

I love reading a calm and intelligent sports discussion/debate. Rip Kobe

[@RDowney3]

Seth, you're the Shaq and Kobe of writing and narrating hoops. Think Shaq may have been talking about you when he said most dominant 1-2 punch in NBA history. Luckily, we also have the rest of the '01 Lakers directing and editing what we're seeing on screen. Appreciate the videos as always, boys - they're truly the best sports content we have available.

[@aryansebastianpillai8976]

This is arguably the greatest video sports essay I've watched. Props to Secret Base.

[@eliminator123456789]

Already watched a whole 26 minute video 3 minutes after the video dropped? lol

[@gursharansingh4631]

Lol I was about to say that. But I'm expecting it to be a great sports essay

[@yurmumsgjey]

Hasn't been out for 14 liar lmao

[@djuwangalamulume5647]

@@eliminator123456789😂😂😂😂 on god

[@Triggercut92]

Just to get to the top of the likes. Truly pathetic

[@therevolvingmonk]

Before you ask: the opening piano track is Gymnopédies 1 by Erik Satie

[@anonymousjoe7220]

Sounds like minecraft

[@mikeythe3rd]

Thanks, I was just about to NOT ask...😂😂

[@davidescobar1625]

@@anonymousjoe7220Minecraft sounds like this

[@nb_nic]

@@davidescobar1625i feel like I remember something about Satie being an inspiration for a lot of the ambient tracks in mc

[@dawakat08]

Wasn’t gonna ask but glad to know nonetheless, thank you!

[@CharmCityGamer]

Rest easy Kobe, we'll never forget you. Thanks Secret Base!

[@marshallhanlon1872]

This already feels as good as the cavaliers docuseries. The best sports history content a fan can find.

[@fortynights1513]

Cavs doc was great

[@ArmandoKozomara]

Man I miss Kobe so much 😭it breaks my heart that my guy is no longer here! He was insanely driven to be the best he could be. Nothing but respect.

[@jebvoorhees125]

Oh and if Kobe told the detectives that he should have done what Armando Kozomara does and pays off his victims and makes them sign NDAs; you'd probably would change your mind on the man in a quickness.

[@ArmandoKozomara]

@@jebvoorhees125 All super famous or influential men have women sign NDAs or give them hush money to not talk about the encounter. Who gives a d@mn about that 😂

[@joshhale7004]

this was another 10/10. thank you for these incredible videos. it is still hard for me to think that kobe is no longer with us.

[@crimsonking440]

My first manager was someone id known my entire life growing up and she was an absolutely devoted Kobe Bryant fan. Her name was Kenisha Brown so they shared the same initials and she always went by KB. She was one of the closest friends ive ever had. It hit her hard when he passed early that year. She passed away as well in December less than a year later. Ill never forget how surreal that felt. Like the year was bookended on both sides by the loss of a KB and how specifically shitty that year was would always be stamped into my memory. I know this barely has anything to do with the video, but I can never think about one without thinking of the other. Both were taken far before their time. May they both rest in peace.

[@teodormaslyankov2233]

Man you guys should be proud and fulfilled from the great work you are doing, literal chills

[@The090919900222]

You can tell how much Seth loves all this. The amount of detail in these mini doccos is amazing. Also it's so Amazing to know that Seth is still with us... Missed you heaps

[@24n8]

Debussy in the background truly elevates this to a masterpiece. Cannot wait for part 2

[@bobearrog3381]

I've been looking forward to this

[@bathestyles6525]

I haven’t even made it past 5 minutes and I know this is gonna be amazing. Seth and SB never fail to disappoint

[@Fash0da]

I didn’t think anything this channel put out could match Fighting in the Age of Loneliness, but Seth repeatedly challenges that assumption with everything he makes. Kudos.

[@williamthomas5215]

Much like Jordan and Brady in the clutch - it seems like Secret Base never misses with these essays.

[@RavinManiac]

The biggest "What if" of the NBA in the 21st century: What if Shaq and Kobe got along? Which seasons would they have won titles from 2003 to 2008?

[@KingDizzleLTDinc.]

If Robert Horry 3 vs San Antonio in 2003 doesn’t rim out,The Lakers would’ve been 4x,1st ever back to back to back to back champs..

[@CrazyxEnigma]

Even as depleted as the bench was in 03, I agree with the above comment Horry hitting that shot saves the series against the Spurs and we probably 4 peat. Other than that it would all depend on how well Kupchak could've retooled the roster around both Shaq and Kobe if Shaq doesn't take a pay cut it would've been difficult as already in 04 Shaq wasn't the same. Maybe in 05 or 06 but by 07 and 08 Shaq wouldn't have been good enough to be the #2 on a contender. I'd doubt we get Pau in this scenario either so ultimately how things went down was the best for the Lakers as a franchise imo.

[@TeezyfolKKz]

@@CrazyxEnigmabest response. Shaq was eating and playing his way out of his prime FAST. He became an expensive backpack

[@davispo7550]

​@@KingDizzleLTDinc.Terribly sorry, but Bill Russell's Celtics did win 8 in a row

[@KingDizzleLTDinc.]

@@davispo7550didn’t know that

[@serisothikos]

It never ceases to amaze me that Shaq, Shaquille O'Neal, the guy who busted multiple backboards and made grown adults look like children, was willing to accept and express the emotional vulnerability necessary to grieve in the way he did. There's something beautiful - tragic, but beautiful - about that.

[@jbm421]

Oh yes. I've been waiting for a long form basketball doc from Secret Base ever since I saw the "Chosen" Lebron/Cavs doc. 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@samiransar387]

2000 made shots per day is the definition of Mamba mentality. 2001 season really reflects that, cuz he went off. Can't wait to see part 2.

[@lokimanezero]

This video means a lot especially to me since I grew up watching Kobe Bryant and he was always my favorite player. Thanks for your work, Seth.

[@Lakers1617YTTheNortherFrontier]

This video gave CHILLS

[@brentpizzo3185]

That final still shot and edit you guys used immediately sent chills down my entire being. Amazing video and content as always❤

[@SujoyChakravarthi93]

It is Dusshera in India today (Dasain in Nepal and for places with Nepali dominant demographic, like the one I'm from) - it is a day of celebration with family and friends. This series is my Dasain gift - as always, Thank You SB ❤

[@RobertJW]

Have a joyful Dasain!

[@zach7825]

so THIS is why seth has been MIA in the other content lately. Love this. Someone already said this, but there is no better voice to tell this story.

[@saqloc4543]

This type of content shouldn’t be free. Another masterclass in sports documentation from the lads.

[@ethanhawkins3391]

Stoked for part 2, this is brilliant work!

[@bracefrederick5525]

I literally fought with my brother growing up. I also fought with close friends that I considered Brothers. This happens but it doesn't mean that the love is abandoned ❤️

[@JaeLit98]

Man, I know I'm gonna cry when all of it is released. Can't wait for the next few parts

[@chrilpy]

Communication and compromise are essential for all relationships. As great as the Kobe and Shaq duo was, they could’ve done so much more

[@oia_trab2306]

yeah, combining two top 10 all time players both in their prime you could realistically win every year. honestly insane how we talk about them winning "only" 3 championships together, just shows how good they were.

[@joshuagrosvenor9837]

SB does it again with another great series, I am excited for the remaining parts!

[@yerboi5281]

Once it opened with Gymno No.1 I knew this would be an all time series. Such a great track.

[@larrysinger9359]

The quality of the storytelling and A+ graphics make SB videos so compelling. Not a Lakers fan, hardly an NBA fan, but will watch part 2 and beyond. They're that good.

[@BigSmile91jm]

Beautifully done. Can't wait for the next 2 episodes.

[@maskon1764]

This is beautiful, great work as always.

[@TheDuckofLaw]

wonderful work as always. Thank you for this and I look forward to the next parts!

[@bignut3348]

We love you Bean. We always will.

[@CaptainRedbeard.]

Lets go baby! Thanks Secret Base!

[@Marjoss1]

Y’all are some of the GOATs for all these amazing documentaries. Every single one is excellent in pretty much every way, thanks for all your hard work!

[@froggyspond1133]

Cant wait for the next part Sb. Best sports docs on this platform

[@pattongilbert]

Genuinely amazing so far, especially because these stories are so new to me. Excited for more!

[@PGPoncho]

Patiently waiting for part 2. Amazing doc

[@Thor-Orion]

Can’t wait for Part II!

[@jerardocontreras1572]

Man this brought a tear to my eye, such an amazing part 1

[@kingarchnyc]

Finally! Been waiting for this on beef history for years!!!

[@shorewall]

This is an amazing doc! I am amazed by the quality!

[@datharo5]

OMG... Now I'm hyped for part 2. What a great episode!! I'll have to watch it again later. Just so good

[@filmorepints]

A masterpiece, Seth. I appreciate you

[@BWyatt76]

Very good! Looking forward to Part 2

[@WalrusThunder]

I hope you read all the comments Seth. I was a HUGE P&T reader starting in 2010 (the Amar'e winning streak) until you left--it is so cool to see you be able to do stuff like this. you deserve all the success you've had and what's in store

[@drphot6050]

From the trailer on I knew this would be epic... Can't wait til part 2!!

[@patbres1205]

SB KEEP THE NBA content COMING~ Seth, you have no idea how much this improved my day.

[@michaelh9656]

The last minute gave me chills. This is so well-done

[@oneeyedchihuahua]

This is as well done as ANY sports documentary I’ve ever seen. Spellbound in emotion and remembrance, thank you

[@raahmeanskingg]

This is going to be the best sports video essay of the year, great job SB

[@matthewscanlan8001]

Incredible video as always!

[@Benghazi_420]

Phenomenonal work as usual. Shouts out to Seth and the whole SB crew.

[@johncarlosayo830]

Great content. And congratulations for a well written documentary. I've been here since 200k subs and happy that your channel has been growing.

[@kengriffin4190]

Man!! I love Secret Base!!! You guys are amazing with the consistent great sports content! 🐐

[@kaustubhtandon8131]

Nuanced. Insightful. Sophisticated. All these apply to the videos Secret Base makes. Kudos and keep going guys ❤

[@larrygrossman8021]

Dude, that was perfect. On to pt 2.

[@nickpasta9429]

It's unbelievable how many things I still find out about my favourite player all time and his career. Fantastic documentary

[@antoinefleming9869]

YES!!! I needed this in my life! As long as y’all keep making videos We can make baskets Forever. Liked. Subscribed. Notified. Appreciated.

[@southernsportsweekly]

Another great video, I can’t wait for part 2. At this point Secret Base is the best sports media company in the world.

[@Hendrix.Robinson]

This is very emotional to watch. Cant wait for the next part

[@IIMades]

By far one of your best videos ever. The use of classical music is brilliant.

[@jbb4105]

SB has always had solid content but damn y’all been killing it with every video/series lately 🔥

[@edur1222]

Thank you for this SB

[@knection1986]

I love these and I'm dying to watch part 2!!!!

[@gardenboydon]

That was incredible! Best sports YT channel

[@OBJ317]

You’ve done it again. Nicely done guys.

[@nasporter2398]

love how you started this beef video how you usually end it and not calling it an actual “beef” video 10/10

[@ryanwatkins7924]

Very well put together. Props, SB!

[@josh-qj2zu]

Thank you so much for including Roland latency’s biography on Kobe.some of the most in depth stuff I’ve ever read

[@GuySelga]

Secret Base never disappoints. Best sports channel, hands down.

[@pranavmanie1479]

Seth and SB killing it, as always. pure art, just like Kobe's midrange.

[@chorvannkuch5081]

Amazing.... every video SB makes is top notch and better than any netflix documentary out there.

[@FoxMacLeod2501]

Excellent! Really sweet, in a particular way. I loved this one!

[@NiceDynamiteInc]

Legitimately some of the best sports journalism there is.

[@nolancollery3368]

I think this is the best SB episode I’ve seen since the Mariners days, so excited for more

[@atribecalledlen3567]

Part 2 to this got me waiting like I was waiting for avengers endgame

[@Yungsolo29]

The number one thing I learned from this episode is 2 people may have a lot of ego & pride distilled within yet if one can let go of both than the universe will bless and appreciate all in the long run Rest in power Kobe 🙌🏾🙏🏾

[@YoussefShareef]

Video essay length beef? I'm here for it.

[@garretindall2820]

This was Epic and Beautifully Done 🔥💜💛

[@spencewarren6404]

Okay. Another great video. Y’all are pretty much the best in the business at this stuff! I cannot wait to see the rest. But y’all knew most of that already. I’m here in yo comments to signal boost the notion that we definitely need a whole video about that “subterfuge and cajoling” on the part of West to get these once-in-a-generation talents to the Lakers.

[@Yungbeck]

Another great one, SB!

[@averageguy1261]

This is great content. Good balanced story telling.

[@coolman717]

Sb always brings that heat

[@Newarksfinest05]

Amazing first episode can’t wait for the rest

[@Xx_FazeDK_xX]

The Best Secret Base video ever made 🙌

[@ICOHN_]

This is so well made🙌

[@ThePribylProductions]

Man I would've been happy with getting a beef history about this but as usual you guys go above and beyond