The work beef between Shaq and Kobe, Part 1 | Big brother, little brother

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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@teodormaslyankov2233]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@marshallhanlon1872]

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

[@fortynights1513]

Cavs doc was great

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@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 😂

[@brentpizzo3185]

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

[@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

[@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

[@bobearrog3381]

I've been looking forward to this

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@24n8]

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

[@ethanhawkins3391]

Stoked for part 2, this is brilliant work!

[@oneeyedchihuahua]

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

[@pattongilbert]

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

[@patbres1205]

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

[@datharo5]

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

[@raahmeanskingg]

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

[@TheDuckofLaw]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@PGPoncho]

Patiently waiting for part 2. Amazing doc

[@GuySelga]

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

[@JaeLit98]

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

[@Benghazi_420]

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

[@CharmCityGamer]

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

[@filmorepints]

A masterpiece, Seth. I appreciate you

[@froggyspond1133]

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

[@kaustubhtandon8131]

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

[@SamIsLegend]

I love the work you guys and gals do so much, and I just wanna say, "Thank you!" Seriously great content for years and years now. I recommend this channel to all my friends who enjoy sports and those who check it out are always happy they did. So yeah, Thanks SB team!

[@logosfocus]

a channel worth recommending to most everyone

[@kengriffin4190]

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

[@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.

[@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. 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@iwishiwasthomasshelby]

Thank you, SB, for making these type of videos. Hands down, the best in the game at these types of pieces. And special shout-out to Seth. His narrative vs. other people's narrative are night and day in my opinion. Thank you.

[@coletrickle1775]

Jon Bois is the reason these exist.

[@gardenboydon]

That was incredible! Best sports YT channel

[@saqloc4543]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@maskon1764]

This is beautiful, great work as always.

[@kingarchnyc]

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

[@joshuagrosvenor9837]

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

[@pranavmanie1479]

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

[@nasporter2398]

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

[@shorewall]

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

[@michaelh9656]

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

[@OBJ317]

You’ve done it again. Nicely done guys.

[@jonseals]

Good stuff. I gave up on basketball during this era. I always remembered Kobe as the young kid who shot (and missed) way too much. When people started talking about him in the same breath as Michael Jordan, I couldn't even comprehend. I still don't understand everything about the love of Kobe, but I quickly learned of his MJ-like desire and work ethic. I'm really looking forward to the rest of this series.

[@CaptainRedbeard.]

Lets go baby! Thanks Secret Base!

[@drphot6050]

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

[@jerardocontreras1572]

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

[@jbb4105]

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

[@Thor-Orion]

Can’t wait for Part II!

[@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.

[@nickpasta9429]

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

[@matthewscanlan8001]

Incredible video as always!

[@BWyatt76]

Very good! Looking forward to Part 2

[@ryanwatkins7924]

Very well put together. Props, SB!

[@chorvannkuch5081]

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

[@larrygrossman8021]

Dude, that was perfect. On to pt 2.

[@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

[@IIMades]

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

[@FoxMacLeod2501]

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

[@knection1986]

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

[@Newarksfinest05]

Amazing first episode can’t wait for the rest

[@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.

[@Hendrix.Robinson]

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

[@garretindall2820]

This was Epic and Beautifully Done 🔥💜💛

[@edur1222]

Thank you for this SB

[@ethanwilson6066]

In my personal opinion y’all are definitely the greatest sports KZbin creators of all time no challenge

[@cassiusdhami9215]

This channel is criminally underviewed. If you're a fan of sports and/or documentary films this channel is a must watch. 👍🏾🎯💯🧠👏🏾

[@coletrickle1775]

The are a lot of non sports fans that watch these, because the storytelling is so good. Jon Bois is the goat.

[@nolancollery3368]

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

[@cashmoneysniper4166]

Thank you Seth, so much

[@Xx_FazeDK_xX]

The Best Secret Base video ever made 🙌

[@20marvelman]

Really glad you guys made this video, Shaq always seemed embarrassed and regretful about it but Kobe embraced, they respected each other but they know what they said each other

[@derek15boom]

Excellent video!

[@Yungbeck]

Another great one, SB!

[@coolman717]

Sb always brings that heat

[@devzeppalin]

This was perfect. Part 2 can’t get here soon enough.

[@trikkage2381]

THE best sports media company. Great job

[@williamthomas5215]

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

[@averageguy1261]

This is great content. Good balanced story telling.

[@yukondeighton8075]

Enjoyed this a lot!!

[@NiceDynamiteInc]

Legitimately some of the best sports journalism there is.

[@gpglicious]

Killing it Seth. Kudos