The work beef between Shaq and Kobe, Part 3 | "I may have messed something up."

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.
This third and final part chronicles the breakup and the aftermath. In 2004, despite an ongoing scandal and a recent return to the Finals, Kobe wanted the Lakers to himself, and made it so. How did that final season and breakup unfold, and how did Shaq and Kobe find their way back to friendship in the decades that followed?
(Correction: The clip of Shaq is from Scary Movie 4, not Scary Movie 2.)
Directed and edited by Jiazhen Zhang
Motion graphics by Phil Pasternak
Written and produced by Seth Rosenthal
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[@SecretBaseSBN]

In case you missed parts 1 or 2, here you go Shaq vs. Kobe part 1: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5Wcd3molqx8ZtUsi=X-bPOub-0S1utzTs Shaq vs. Kobe part 2: kzbin.info/www/bejne/inu5l2mfZsycnbssi=PiEOB78jCIe7gC25

[@ec5657]

I am really happy they made up before Kobe passed. Imagine Shaq walking around with that guilt and regret for his entire life for not making up and apologizing. Great series Secret Base!

[@lgsg2825]

Yeah but he still told another man to tell him how his ass tasted lmao all peace n love. Glad that got it

[@runawaymakefriendswiththem8905]

it was never that serious 😂 what guilt? he wasn’t piloting that chopper!

[@TreDontPlay_]

@@runawaymakefriendswiththem8905 We gotta dumbass over here y’all

[@Amm17ar]

Its a lesson to everyone, dont let anyone in your life leave this world without knowing they were loved.

[@wonsuksong592]

@@runawaymakefriendswiththem8905 It was that serious. You can see at 30:56, Shaq is tearing up at the thought of all the hate they gave each other during the beef. If Shaq was that close to tears, it clearly meant a lot to him to be able to resolve the beef.

[@tonystarkironman316]

I asked for a Kobe vs Shaq beef episode; I got an amazing mini-series on it. Thank you, Secret Base 🥃

[@poesiaultravioleta]

Meh

[@JP-rl4bc]

Thanks for asking for this 🎉

[@gohabs8918]

Could you imagine a Last Dance style series on their last season (and previous) together? That would be incredible to watch

[@josephdurnin7698]

I've been telling my friends who are into Basketball to check this series out it's the best of it's kind.

[@paksta]

Yeah, what the heck are they gonna do next?

[@psychoticvenom]

"That's the problem with the Diesel -- I'm more technologically advanced than you are." I forgot how insane he was.

[@lucass9328]

You actually took him seriously there? Lol

[@psychoticvenom]

@@lucass9328 lol - even if he wasn't serious, that's still a weee bit crazy ;)

[@lucass9328]

@@psychoticvenom it is, but in the context of the back and forth between Kobe and Shaq, which got heated and serious. Here we have Shaq leaning into the drama while adding a comedic twist to it all, it's actually kinda funny lol. Of course it's not funny that their relationship had devolved where they didn't want to talk to each other at that point in time, but his sarcasm about not having a phone, and that he can telepathically communicate with those closest to him if they want to talk, which by extension means he's technologically more advanced that the interviewer is- I mean c'mon, that's hilarious lol.

[@psychoticvenom]

@@lucass9328 100%

[@holstorrsceadus1990]

Just going to appreciate the fact we have 2 multiparters going at the same time. Hope Kofie finds his way home.

[@LostSnowdrift]

kofie bryant

[@kencarson666]

sadly he won’t find his way home, trust me I think

[@wanderlustwarrior]

One thing the (great) video didn't cover: The 2004 Pistons team that beat the Lakers, one of the greatest defensive teams of all time, admitted that one of their primary defensive goals was to force the ball to Kobe to shoot, and limit Shaq's involvement, so that the beef would get in the pair's heads and worsen chemistry for the series. And it worked handily.

[@ChiefOttoSo]

Shaq got locked up by Ben Wallace that’s why they lost

[@mongoslade277]

FACTS

[@mongoslade277]

​@@ChiefOttoSoFICTION

[@ChrisBeenDeadInside4WhileNow]

​@@mongoslade277Go back and watch ... Ben Wallace worked ole boy and was a menace in the paint , Ben Wallace had ole Shaqueef' on a leash like a small poodle

[@ChrisBeenDeadInside4WhileNow]

​@@ChiefOttoSo100% accurate statement

[@thebrunssss]

It’s honestly insane how successful these two were even with all the drama and animosity between them.

[@tromboneman4517]

If not for all of that, they’d have won way more chips together.

[@mattkhanna]

Weak ass nba at the time look at their biggest challengers, 2000 blazers best player was probably a young sheed, 2001 the sixers, 2002 kings, 2003 spurs, 2004 pistons.

[@Le_Tribb]

@@mattkhannathe spurs and pistons literally won the championship both years lol

[@mattkhanna]

@@Le_Tribb yup and that’s when the lakers stopped winning

[@jakebuchsbaum3348]

@@mattkhanna this is how I know you are a casual. All those teams you named despite the kings and the Sixers won. The Kings were the best team in the NBA that year in 2002 and were a great team. They could easily be a top 3 seed in the NBA today.

[@SecretBaseSBN]

yup, it's Scary Movie 4, not Scary Movie 2. my bad -seth

[@ThERealist2019]

I was just here to get on you for that 😅😅😅

[@lamardays883]

Cool, I was bout to get cho ass

[@malcolmmack4221]

Make more of these asap ✌🏿😁💯‼️

[@XxVenom33xX]

Why did you cut out the punchline tho, it was hilarious

[@rgndsnali]

r u still there, seth?

[@JUnit41484]

I love that a 3-part, 90+ minute story is a "quick one" for you guys. This is the best channel on KZbin and it's not close.

[@Evs78101]

Seriously. This is such a well produced series. Putting ESPN to shame.

[@TVs_Brent]

Hell yeah. Secret base has a knack for turning sports stories and larger than life people onto something you can grab on to and feel affected by. The whole team are masters at showing that even the biggest personalities are just human when it's all said and done

[@dxmnnndanny2092]

This was beautifully done Seth, wouldn’t want anyone else in the world narrating it. As a laker fan since 96 when I was so young this thing really hits home for me. My love of the game came from watching these 2 go to work.

[@heavymetalweatherman7774]

Bittersweet ending to this. “It hurts to know it can’t happen any longer” actually hurt to hear. Great storytelling in this series. Kudos to all involved.

[@nohbuddy1]

Beef history: Shawn Michaels vs Bret Hart

[@jakestanley52]

Gymnopedie (1 and 2) is such a good choice for this series. Definitely evokes the juxtaposition between that 2018 interview and "My Dinner with Andre."

[@mamba24ever8]

Literally gave me chills hearing it at the end of this video. Glad someone else appreciated it too 🎶

[@ShadowThe771]

Not gonna lie. I want to see an alternate universe where the Lakers stuck with Shaq and let Kobe walk away in free agency to the Grizzlies. For anyone who doesn’t know, Jerry West, the GM of the Grizzlies at that time, confirmed on Paul George’s podcast that Kobe was interested in joining with Memphis in 2004. We would have gotten Kobe and Gasol on the same team 4 years earlier than expected.

[@capricekobain2996]

Kobe also said he was looking for houses in Chicago so if the Laker weren't on the table it's a toss up and Kobe asked to be traded again then they got Gasol to pacify him

[@andrewstepanek8933]

Shaq would win three more rings and Kobe would be remembered as a Kevin McHale type of secondary star.

[@deemz312]

Kobe was going to 100% come to Chicago if he left the Lakers.

[@ImBarryScottCSS]

Ultimately this relationship was the story of two deeply flawed characters growing together and coming to understand not only each other but first themselves. That's a lesson in life, the more you understand who *you* are, the more you will be able to understand and empathise with others.

[@likenem]

I don't think the Detroit Pistons get enough credit for taking advantage of the shaq versus Kobe beef. They knew Kobe was chasing a MVP trophy so they played Shaq 1 on 1 and doubled up on Kobe

[@Bigedub101]

Exactly

[@antonioguglielmetti2661]

Ben Wallace helped keep Shaq at Bay and pretty much equated to a double team the whole series.

[@kidzoom221]

I was sure you wouldn't, but I'm really glad you didn't shy away from Kobe's sexual assault case, and that you included the quote about how he could see how she didn't think the encounter was consensual in the center of the screen. As beloved an athlete as Kobe is, and as much good as he did later in life, it's still a part of his legacy that we can't just ignore

[@johnnylebay2059]

He's an over glorified rapist and an awful team player.

[@ChiefOttoSo]

Who cares about that s**** she obviously lied for money u think Kobe gotta force anyone for sex when he got Halle berry and every women lined up for him🤣

[@tyronejames4187]

Timestamp??

[@ChiefOttoSo]

No one cares about that s**** Kobe was innocent

[@iamlegend5373]

@@tyronejames4187episode 2

[@praneethdaita7957]

Man i cannot believe that shaq, a guy who hangs on to even the slightest of negative comments moved on from "he pays women hush money to stay silent" and the insinuations of that

[@mrterp04]

I hope there’s an alternate reality where Shaq answered EVERY question that year with “Meow meow meow”

[@benamster]

I have been a fan of Secret Base for a very long time… at least 10 years… Beef History, Rewinder, the Worst, Collapse, and most recently Prism all stand among the greatest sports breakdown videos in KZbin history… production, scripting, editing, quality of content all second to none. This series was something extra special, encompassing all the talent you have displayed for years, while telling a story in a way that brought totally new insight to a legacy most are familiar with, but likely few ever grasped so poetically as you did here. This was truly amazing Seth… thank you so much for all you do. Definitely reached a new apex today. Fan for life right here!!

[@ahpuro]

Kobe and Shaq are the essence of what sports alway emphasize about: Work hard and have fun. Kevin Garnett was like Kobe, no music in the locker room and all serious but Sam Cassell later came joined the team and relaxed some tensions just like muscles need massages after games. Kobe and Shaq needed each other but we all had our "I know my way's the best" ego in our 20s; growing pains. Both got humbled: Shaq getting traded from the team he thought was his and Kobe realizing he cant win championships by himself, losing in PO 1,2nd rounds and losing games despite having 60+ point streaks, until they got Pau.

[@whatevereyewant]

I remember the day Kobe passed. I’ve never been an extremely big basketball fan but still enjoy the game here and there and played when I was young. So I think I’m a perfect example of showing how someone has such an impact that I felt the energy in the world that day, the sadness, and belief leave everyone’s souls as they were hurting. And that is me, an occasional watcher of this sport which he ascended so much high above than the game it self.

[@AngoGoblogian]

This was truly beautiful. That last line brought tears to my eyes. Thank you Secret Base. Thank you Seth. You’ve made something truly special with this mini-series. How to Make a Basket is journalism in its most pure artistic form.

[@christinejalandoni5919]

Shaq: "He takes to many shots." Kobe: "He doesn't get in shape." Me: Both are valid

[@hardieharrharr]

This is awesome. Nobody ever mentioned what Kobe said about Shaq paying off women.

[@shoeboxbistro]

Yeah, cause Kobe was the only one saying it

[@goodturnbymacheda]

@@shoeboxbistro I think the argument was that the "Mamba" narrative never included those seemingly false allegations. Kobe presenting himself as a cultured Academy Award winner doesn't really vibe with "I falsely accused my teammate of also raping people to make myself look better"

[@QuestionEverything562]

Because the Cult of Kobe protects him. LA makes him sound like a fallen angel since his untimely demise. I have no idea if he actually r**ed that woman or not, but him saying he should have paid her off like Shaq pays off his side who**es was downright backstabbing and dark.

[@Oly1y]

​@goodturnbymacheda how did you hear "accusing my teammate of also raping"?

[@shorewall]

@@Oly1y Buying their silence in a hookup gone wrong. Same as settling out of court. Hush money. He's comparing his case to Shaq, and he's being accused of rape.

[@TakeJanner]

What a fantastic series, that ending got me so emotional. Seth, your writing is phenomenal. Please give this man a raise.

[@user-jw5qj8kv2y]

There was a time when Kobe and Shaq's relationship soured, but I'm glad they were able to reconcile later.

[@cbreezy]

They didn’t have each other’s number when Kobe died. At least Shaq didn’t.

[@keitoncastillo3200]

​@@cbreezyShaqs son did tho? ion believe that

[@cbreezy]

@@keitoncastillo3200 Believe what you want, it came out out his mouth

[@David-iv6je]

I appreciate the responsibility and sensitivity with which you handle this delicate topic.

[@lukenielsen8331]

14:04, bit of a shock right? I would think Karl malone would love babysitting

[@Fartillery]

They weren't young enough for Malone

[@redgrizzly1492]

Man, if Shaq just stayed in shape. If Kobe just chilled out. So many what ifs in this story. But I guess it happened the way it was supposed to and the only way it ever could have. RIP Mamba

[@VastContent]

I love this series so much. Thank you secret base ❤

[@stephenm8725]

I mean, I watched this saga play out as it happened and it was STILL a reviting series to watch

[@theramenspotsidedishes]

This series was a masterpiece. Great job, everyone.

[@Rodanguirus]

Overlap: Gordie Howe and Wayne Gretzky. The '79-'80 NHL season and All-Star Game are talked about often enough, but their one season together in the final year of the WHA is less covered. Highlights include them playing on a line together in a 3-game series vs. a Soviet pro team, and playing against each other in the WHA Semifinals (a series that went 7 games).

[@brientaylorcohen]

Secret Base doesn't do that anymore. They might bring back Overlap, but they're an extension of NBA TV now. Aside from Kofie, I doubt anybody at SB can even name Gordie Howe.

[@serisothikos]

This is impeccably produced. I can't say enough for how well this miniseries was crafted end-to-end.

[@Chief24.7]

Shaq ‘technologically more ahead of us’ O’Neal

[@Mar032891]

This was beautiful. Truly! Goosebumps and tears at the ending monologue. That narration had the perfect blend of all of the emotions necessary to tell this epic.

[@__underrdr9908]

The Erik Satie background music is hypnotic!! Great music choice for this particular story. PS:can’t wait for part 4

[@Swaggattack71]

16:04 “we don’t even know you” Man. I’m pretty introverted and to myself to the point of aloofness at times so I completely understand both sides. I’ve heard it in so many words my whole life. Everyone who considers themselves somewhat of a loner can relate to Kob. Forming new relationships is tough bc you have to balance who you are at a core level and how that makes others feel. You have to be willing to be uncomfortable and just show face even though you desperately want to be alone or with your closest friends/family.

[@MrOctober44]

The difference is that Kobe went out of his way to distance himself from others. He did It because he thought he was better then everyone and didn't think he needed anyone

[@Maluiproductions]

​@@MrOctober44There it is. I can relate to being a loner. But Kobe actively decided to not associate with his teammates. Most of us struggle to get invited 😂. My martial arts friends did their best to make me feel included but I had to go to the team events

[@Swaggattack71]

@@MrOctober44 yeah that’s fair

[@mongoslade277]

Kobe was real close with Caron Butler and of course Pau Gasol. That's really about it

[@invincible0463]

​@MrOctober44 kobe grew up in Italy where he was to himself alot and then started his nba career on a veteran team when he was only 17. It makes sense.

[@josephvanhorn5347]

I can't believe Kobe and Shaq were able to keep it together for all that time. They couldn't stand each other. They were both total Alphas. It's easy to say they were in it for the rings. They were still human.

[@KrayzieMofoGuy]

Easily the best beef video you guys did. Like you said, once they were no longer teammates, the feud was more of a meme. The two threw shots at each other frequently but more so just to entertain, they stopped feuding way before the general public realized it. Their feud as teammates was very real though lol

[@cupertinoish]

I used to not taking Shaq and Kobe's reconciliation seriously, thought it was just a natural development and that it was more of a PR thing as they had retired and needed more exposure and new chapters to remain on the news. now I look at people around me and realize making up with old friends is not easy, even if there are no grudges between them. people just drift apart and it takes some commitment reconnect. so I,m happy they had the chance and made the steps.

[@dionicio24]

Kobe and Shaq easily could’ve been the best duo ever I have no doubt if shaq stayed in shape and they played together they could’ve won 8 championships maybe more especially with salary cap changing slowly

[@dreamchaser1419]

Its not only if shaq. Its also if kobe...

[@DarthKotEI]

😭 This was so beautiful. The wrap up will stick with a long time. Excellent stuff

[@TheCavsJack]

best series out of this channel, and that's saying a lot. great job SB.

[@Mudboy44]

Amazing series of videos. Secret Base never disappoints

[@sohbely]

what a great series, thanks so much for making these videos. look forward to watching anything you put out. so so well done

[@CCEkeke]

This was a fantastic series. Thank you Secret Base!

[@user-hd5cc2dh1l]

Man, what a great series. Your guys’ content continues to be stellar.

[@miltonposner]

Wonderfully paced and beautifully written, Seth - especially those last few minutes

[@tehsamjones]

Thanks for all your hard work and creativity with this series. Excellence in journalism

[@ethanlara3235]

One of my favorite series on this channel, so incredibly directed and narrated, you guys did an amazing job

[@RaulMartinez-gd3pw]

Every day I miss that man tremendously. It was through his mistakes and failures that I learned how to be resilient, and through his success that I saw how hard work pays off.

[@thewateringwiz7118]

That was incredibly well produced. Thank you SB and thank you Seth for sharing this with us.

[@twoodbeats]

the fact kobe tried to dry snitch on shaq talkin about some "i should do what he does and pay women off" was like bruh just handle your mistakes as a man on your own as a man, dont be out here tryna break other people's homes up

[@KCFlightClub10]

Relax on Kobe bruh

[@twoodbeats]

@@KCFlightClub10 oh you must be out here dry snitching on your friends too huh? and i aint your bruh

[@KCFlightClub10]

@@twoodbeats whatever u say shorty

[@KevinCarlino]

This series was phenomenal. Do more of this type of content.

[@tilony]

Thank you for the amazing mini series.

[@Rj_D956]

I love the theme you put into the three parts, and how you've tied it all together at the end where how they really just needed to talk to each other.

[@ZamirStills]

This was beautiful. Thank you for doing this, y’all.

[@icemanrecords2304]

This was absolutely beautiful. Marvelous artwork done throughout this series @Secretbase

[@Xtradaddy]

This whole series was beautiful, and touching. Thanks for this.

[@Yungbeck]

These are so good SB, another classic !!

[@adamlaughton4571]

Another Seth Rosenthal masterpiece. Keep up the good work SB x

[@tucegs522]

hell of a series. love what y’all do.

[@davionwilliams4011]

Brought tears to my eyes that final image of them overlooking the court together. Happy they were able to find the love again before Kobe passed away. Love your people as best you can, because you never know when someone will take their last breath. Great work on the 3 parter 🙌🏾

[@CTM901]

Bravo 👏🏾. This is the best series yet

[@user-ey3sv7lv9t]

Secret base you just dropped an instant classic 💪🏼🔥 can’t wait to see this whole thing again

[@Dondez]

Amazing mini-series. Great work by everyone at Secret Base! Thank you all so much.

[@Tommy_Montana]

This 3 part episode deserves an award, in a line of great work this is the best you guys have ever done

[@floatingfacedown9691]

this was beautifully rendered and thoughtfully written. i hope more sports content could be more like this in the future. really makes you appreciate the humanity beneath all the drama that gets thrown out into the media. a sincere thank you to the people who worked on this.

[@larrymanx]

As someone who was a kid that Kobe got into basketball I was too young to remember their beef so this was a great documentary. RIP my goat. Love you mamba

[@balintrab3614]

Thank you for this amazing mini-series. It's a true gem. Unparalleled story-telling.

[@dwonerossjr276]

This was an amazing series. Job well done on telling one of the most compelling stories in the history of the NBA 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@lueyville9322]

I cried at the end there 😢

[@tomfox9983]

I always take a helping of your beef, but this is by far and away your greatest serving yet. Really a piece of art. Thank you

[@treystyles3760]

U did an excellent job on this from somebody who was a fan thru the beginning and sadly 😢 the end. Thank u

[@oct9AFD]

Thanks for this three-part videos, it was great!

[@flyhighlow3]

Top tier content. Thank you for helping me relive my childhood ❤️

[@allanjamesulit2476]

This is really good... Really good. Appreciate you guys making this, adds a new perspective on what was... Thank you SB

[@eatingyuhheard3604]

Thank you for this truly amazing work💜💛

[@CSkivvs]

Phenomenal as always. Excellent work, Seth! I always hoped y'all would cover the Shaq-Kobe beef, and you've exceeded my wildest expectations.

[@heeho33]

Every video lately has been absolute cinema keep up the good work boys

[@Maxdouble07]

This series was amazing and well written! Enjoyed every minute! Thanks SB

[@tonyeltigre1088]

Fantasric mini series guys, both informationally and emotionally. RIP Mamba and it is always crazy to think what could've been with those two

[@NICK_Esq]

Excellent series. Thank you!

[@sj1379]

😢Made my cry and vulnerable watching this. Great work

[@bret1tmcleod]

This was an awesome series to watch. Thanks all!!

[@paleodan]

Great series of videos. I appreciate the nuance.

[@EsotericDungeon]

This 3 part series is going to be nominated for too many things to list atm. Truly special.

[@arami229]

Brilliant. Thank you for making this.

[@CheapSkateGrower]

Thanks for making this amazing threepeat of videos on my favorite duo of all time

[@Jj-mg1rc]

so good. please keep coming with more of such series.

[@ImJustOwen]

Secret Base, this is now my 2nd favorite documentary series I have ever seen, behind only the entire rewind of the Cavs, and particularly, that third episode centered around LeBron. Amazing work, and the fact that this is free still blows my mind. Thank you so much for putting out the best content on KZbin.

[@benjaminglazer7217]

I always thought that this beef was missing from the catalogue, I’m happy it was finally done and in such great detail.

[@ragecage205]

the way you all find and talk about the forgotten intricate details is phenomenal. 11/10

[@admiraldamian2508]

Wanted this for years and it was amazing. Perfect way to talk about this beef without letting it ruin the basketball (and things after basketball for the two of them) that they had together

[@mansoursoltani247]

Such an amazing documentary guys, great work.

[@ethanhawkins3391]

Love the way you tied this series up at the end there. Through it all, they made baskets and won championships. You all deserve heaps of praise for the work that was put into this series, the final product was masterfully crafted!

[@lastkingjb]

As a Kobe stan & really really big Shaq fan, this was one of the best series’s I’ve seen on KZbin in a long time