Shaq interview: Kobe Bryant and I are the best 1-2 punch ever

Shaquille O’Neal on how he motivated Kobe Bryant and says they are the most controversial duo in NBA history.
The full interview with Shaq is available on the In Depth with Graham Bensinger Podcast, available at the links below and wherever you enjoy listening to podcasts:
Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/4pdnf4mw
Spotify: tinyurl.com/3cbsrf8u
Stitcher: tinyurl.com/c4xvywxw

[@WickOsama1]

The scary part about this duo is Kobe wasn't even fully in his prime yet

[@joedarellebartolome2406]

Same thought.

[@alanflores2714]

Shaq & Penny would have been the greatest imo

[@lebronblew5finalsnottop5ne22]

@@alanflores2714 nah penny couldn't score as well and didn't have any defense , that Orlando team was better then the Lakers team other than Kobe

[@doc8187]

Alan Flores Penny was great but couldn't score like Kobe also his defense wasn't as great as someone like Kobe

[@hmrhuang]

And the SAD part was that they were both so immature and egotistical. They could have WON so many more championships together!

[@axjohn]

“You can’t take me from 30 (million) to 20, not with 5 kids!” Shaq is CLASSIC! 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@xRoyalChefx]

"As long as the story is told forever, i'm ok with that" Probably why Shaq is my favorite player.

[@joshuahaynes7128]

I love shaq i have his action figures when he played at LSU ...

[@doniamer2009]

You can't support 5 kids with 20 millions a year?!! what are you feeding them Shaq?! damn!!

[@thsu8]

+Doni Amer Kobe beef. Nightly.

[@cheesesteakphilly]

Exactly my thoughts.

[@CloudyShinobi]

+thsu8 underrated comment, fucking genius. love the double entendre

[@wongnigel1158]

+thsu8 for breakfast mostly tho

[@leeeahn1234]

+Doni Amer U don't get it. he is building a team of 5 Shaqs to dominate another era. XD

[@BasketballPlease]

NBA was lucky Shaq and Kobe didn't stay longer together.

[@Rockcroc2000Rm1wE3erWmNfkL]

Yeah otherwise Duncan would have 2 less rings.

[@jayla7760]

Sarken Detroit says other wise 😂

[@Rockcroc2000Rm1wE3erWmNfkL]

Detroit never won a ring again.

[@joshuahaynes7128]

Jay LA I love Detroit but let's be real . Only reason Detroit won in 04 is cause kobe didn't play thru shaq and he tried to do way way way to much . ...the 01 lakers would've sweept Detroit easily . .. the NBA is lucky shaq and kobe didn't get along and shaq didn't stay in shape ... we will never see another 1-2 punch like them

[@SeanDaNerd]

Joshua Haynes Nah, the entire offense was disjointed. Detroit disrupted the offense by pressing the entire offense up court. Kobe would get double teamed pretty much as soon as he stepped pass half court, and Shaq would have to come up to receive the ball. Shaq was at too high a position to do his go to moves so the offense would have to set up differently. They were unable to adjust. Don’t downplay the Pistons’ defensive scheme. It was ingenious actually.

[@Indra8733]

Shaq pretty much described his relationship with Kobe when he called himself Uncle Shaq. Despite their sibling rivalry years ago, these two will always be brothers. Real brothers.

[@guramritaujla6930]

Bit by bit, ive watched all of these videos - keep its up Graham. :p

[@GrahamBensinger]

+Paul S Thanks, Paul!

[@JWB86]

Why can't we have these interviews in full?

[@Slimkidd730]

"NBA stands for Nothing But Actors.." Damn that was deep.

[@imabegroovintilltheworldst5752]

That was pretty gay

[@hoggernogger9402]

If you think that’s deep your intellect must be really shallow

[@RuFFRyDas87]

Clearly sarcasm there repliers.

[@westmcgee9320]

He followed that up by admitting that he was lying about not seeing Kobe for 11 years. I’m done.

[@MohamedMohamed-lz4cd]

Graham, you're the best interview i've seen in a very long time. God bless that mind of yours!

[@haroldpur198]

man, I have been watching these interviews in bulk, like people watch seasons of TV shows. These are well researched, entertaining , insightful interviews. Good work, Graham.

[@KevDaPirate]

RIP Kobe. Shaq will never be able to talk to Kobe about winning 8 rings if they stayed together.

[@BOLTZMANN77]

Very good style of interviewing - thought provoking and open ended questions, minimal interruptions, even keeled - thank you!

[@GrahamBensinger]

+BOLTZMANN77 Thanks!

[@denzelwilksch8935]

shaq cracks me up 😂😂 "because I wanted you to think we hadn't talked in 11 years, now I'm revealing the secrets" (I know I'm paraphrasing) he's so random but hilarious

[@mitchellbrock3463]

Nah, his azz got caught in that lie and tried to play it off. LOL

[@westmcgee9320]

He dropped several notches either that one.

[@ezerd97]

@@mitchellbrock3463 damn right! 😆😆😆

[@redfive8965]

Shaq: *we haven't talked in 11 years* Also Shaq: *we've talked 40 times since then*

[@Brandon-vy6uw]

Graham, you're awesome man. Always great questions. The guests are always comfortable around you. Keep up the good work.

[@imanassholedealwithit.4924]

RIP Kobe. Man as soon as I heard the news I instantly thought about shaq

[@imanassholedealwithit.4924]

@ChimpCube chimpcube I knew without a doubt that's how shaq was gonna react. I new that had like a competitive brother brother relationship. I had that before and my best friend died but nobody really thought we were that close. It's a weird feeling I dont know how to describe it but I can say I knew shaq was going to be absolutely devastated regardless of what the media thought their relationship was

[@lorenzocarrillo]

So fortune to have seen the lob to Shaq in 2000 versus Portland! Watching the replay on KZbin never gets old!

[@johnchesteryu4873]

Shaq is the reason why I became interested in the NBA. Amazing when I first watched him during the Orlando Magic days.

[@facesonhicks2541]

Do a interview with micheal Jordan

[@GrahamBensinger]

+Faceson Hicks We've been trying!

[@ralx225b]

+Graham Bensinger Keep trying, if you can't get him get at least Scottie, and Horace Grant!!!

[@monaahmed7048]

+Graham Bensinger or do interview with also Scottie pippen or Dennis rodman?

[@johnnyblingg]

+mona Ahmed there's an interview with The Worm

[@Rockcroc2000Rm1wE3erWmNfkL]

Could you get an interview with Kareem? I can see Steve Nash or Karl Malone getting interviewed as well.

[@paulthomas9911]

this interview really keeps in in perspective. often we focus on differences. i think kobe n shaq had more similarities than differences. both have great hearts. miss Kobe already. thing is, the game changed so much i didnt watch it enough to appreciate kobe when he was alive. the game itself went from wanting to win to guys seeing how much money they could make. now i wish i just watched Kobe do his thing.

[@marinelotrivino9995]

Damn. I still cant believe that Kobe is gone. RIB MAMBA. Youre are my Hero. SHAQ and KOBE. Best duo ever.

[@jackdos14]

I need some more interviews Graham ive nearly finished them all

[@2hotdogify]

Graham these interviews with Shaq are great I've watched all of them. Keep it up!

[@GrahamBensinger]

+2hotdogify Thanks!

[@Connor3474]

RIP Kobe :(

[@fidykely]

Great interviews. I watched one video and I couldn't stop til then. I wanted to improve my english and your interviews help me a lot. Keep up the good work and don't listen to haters :)

[@nolor8397]

Graham turns athletes into people

[@CloudyShinobi]

how tf are you getting these huge interviews with only 25k subs??? frfr

[@nickerbocka]

Baha networking! Anyone will do an interview for the right price.

[@doesntmatter4477]

He's apart of a huge network. Nothing is Hollywood just happens. People have connections. Graham is good at what he does and someone is sponsoring it

[@GatBlackistan]

3 years later, 307k

[@lebronblew5finalsnottop5ne22]

@@GatBlackistan 6 months later 400k

[@YouInDavid]

These interviews are great

[@TomiAdewoleAdetom]

Very good. I bet even now, Kobe bristles a bit at Shaq referring to himself as the "Big Brother." Kobe's psychology simply isn't given to being any kind of a little brother lol. Two alpha males...one somewhat laid-back and the other almost psychotically obsessive. They did great things on the basketball court and it was a joy to watch the hometown Lakeshow in their era - though nothing tops Michael and the Bulls.

[@randyyyball]

+phillyslasher lol that story about jordan cheating a cards game against an old lady T.T

[@devvv4616]

you gotta be a lil different and crazy to be the goat eh?

[@joshuahaynes7128]

I love Jordan and pippen but let's be real tho. Shaq and kobe is the most talented duo ever ... the 01 lakers would give any 90s bulls title team all they want period... Shaq and kove averaged 30 a game in the 01 playoffs and they sweept everyone including prime Duncan spurs and kings and blazers..

[@thecrockadilewhowalkslikea3798]

Yep. Rest easy Kobe. You are the beat in my book.

[@vishishtg3062]

Ok everything's fine Y should you include jordan Y the fuck should you bring jordan everywhere

[@deathmonktv7626]

I love Shaq! It was truly an honor to watch him and Kobe play, but whether it was Shaq's ego or Kobe's they couldn't figure out how to co-exist with each other. Thus, it means that as far as potential goes to being the best duo ever has led both of them to under achieve in that regard. Jordan and Pippin won 6 straight in less than 7 games ever time they arrived in the finals. The 05' Pistons stopped the Lakers in 5. That should never have happened. This is coming from a Pistons fan!

[@ArmandoKozomara]

the graham interview with kobe was fantastic as well!

[@GrahamBensinger]

+Armando Kozomara Thanks, Armando!

[@thecrockadilewhowalkslikea3798]

@@GrahamBensinger I'm glad you got to set down and get a great perspective on Mr.Bryant. The best interview I have ever seen him give. Rest peacefully Kobe. You are missed. Left an awesome mark in this life for sure.

[@rondz1234]

11 years feels like yesterday...wow

[@KaiserVonWilhelm1]

Graham you are working on consolidating all the clips into one interview right?? Cuz these are fantastic.

[@allthesmallthings1041]

How does Graham get his guests to be so honest and open?

[@Eastman1]

RIP KOBE

[@pwatson7]

These are really really good.

[@andrewgabor2.0]

Idc what nobody say, I love Shaq. One of my favorite NBA players ever.

[@cianmc2110]

Really puts it all into perspective. This talk about hate and not talking in years. Its all silly in the end. We only have one life so grudges should be minimised or if possible never held. RIP Kobe (and Gianna and everyone else on the helicopter). I still can’t believe it.

[@Ja.floppa]

REUS

[@brianthomas3873]

RIP Mamba forever!!

[@FuShengAlex]

For that 1 particular year in the '01 playoffs (they coasted that regular season that year) I never saw greater more dominating duo than them that year. 2 guys capable of taking over a series offensively.

[@facesonhicks2541]

Keep up the good vids man 🙀🙀

[@GrahamBensinger]

+Faceson Hicks thanks!!

[@ogxsaintnick]

+Graham Bensinger where's that Allen Iverson interview though?

[@marconastevski9898]

Graham, could you do an interview with Calvin Johnson?

[@TheWonderStraw]

lol @ 6:44 that comment coupled with his wry smile. Shaq's so cool.

[@trenclen5846]

Kobe and Kwame are the best NBA combo. They once combined for 84 points in a game against Toronto back in 2006

[@StealthlessGaming]

He called Kobe his employee lol

[@lindajackson7310]

Hi edagdwg love this video and man thanks for a Shaq day reading about his life I love and respect him as a person big brother friend 🙏🙏🙏❤️💯💯 💯 Linda j ☮️ love wins

[@CustomizedUsername]

That crossover on Pippen 😱

[@Atlas24gh]

Shaq is a great man

[@charlienicholson914]

RIP Kobe

[@EFreezy716]

Gotta love Shaq, man....much smarter than most give him credit for. And he probably wanted it that way too....

[@JoeJacksonGT3]

Graham, this is great content. Shaq really seemed to open up to you. He must trust you in some form. Have you thought about interviewing Tiger Woods? I'd love to see how receptive he is and how much he opens up.

[@ugie8851]

at 5:45 , now i understand what he's talking about. i watched graham interview with dennis, and he said he didn't talk to jordan & pippen either. but they know how to play with each other

[@michaelsonsarmiento5943]

The war gods only reward those who deserve to win, it's not about Shaq and Kobe it is about playing with team spirit to win a championship.

[@PresidentGuevara]

He's right I agree that they are the best 1-2 punch ever. If he would have stayed in LA they could have won more than 6 in my honest opinion.

[@Se0420_]

Negative.. Jordan and pip doubled their total and was 100% in the finals. Shaq and Kobe got their assess handed to them by a bunch or role players. And Kareem and magic were a much better duo. 5 rings. Numbers don't lie

[@PresidentGuevara]

+S E2333 ROLE PLAYERS? The pistons were a great team during that time. Plus bad chemistry tore that team down with the whole Kobe and Shaq drama and Kobe's rape allegations... Shaq and Kobe would beat Pippen and Jordan tbh

[@PresidentGuevara]

+S E2333 Also Kobe didn't even hit his peak during that time. Until 2005-2007 where he had his best seasons sadly the supporting cast he had was garbage.

[@Se0420_]

+PresidentGuevara wtf are you talking about?? How old are you?? Kobe was the best guard in the NBA well before 2005.. And the Pistons were a great team compiled of role players. Shaq Kobe Malone and Payton are all top 5 all time of their positions. You must be very young. Because you have no clue what you are talking about

[@Se0420_]

+PresidentGuevara and like I said the numbers don't lie. How many times have Jordan and pip had their asses handed to them in the finals.. None would be the correct answer .. Sry but this is an argument you can't win because numbers back it up. Your OPINION means nothing

[@ArmandoKozomara]

good stuff

[@BlueAndRedStripes]

Best 1 2 punch in nba

[@CallMeMicahT]

Kobe mastered what Tyson was talking about, how every sport is mostly mental strength. Obviously you could argue different, but you'd be missing the point. Kobe is hands down one of the most mentally strong basketball superstars ever.

[@scottwithers9648]

Graham, you remind me how David Ruben interviews.

[@thetampabaycrenshaws9792]

Hahahahaha I hope for your sake graham does not know who that is. Otherwise he’s shaking his head at your comment

[@TheRealPunisher]

greatest one two punch ever. watching these 2 play would always give me the chicken skin.

[@WasNeverWillBe]

Rip Kobe

[@RC-pg4hl]

Beatles...Kobe & Shaq...

[@collin571]

Damn shaq is awesome

[@tommygunner8680]

Shaq got caught up there for a min about not seeing kob in 11yrs lol.

[@jujurawks]

5:40 " 2 ALPHA MALES IN CHARGE " AKA BATMAN AND SUPERMAN... but MJ and Pippen is Batman and Robin.

[@Lord2wiceAsReal]

Yet Jordan & Pippen have the better record & success 🤔

[@erikhopkins9488]

Jordan is Superman Pippen is Batman

[@scottysneakers77]

Pippen and Jordan is luffy and zoro

[@TheKingOfRuckus]

If MJ is Batman, Pippen is Nightwing.

[@blackjesuz8597]

@@Lord2wiceAsReal and Kobe & Shaq still better.

[@kudabeen]

Best Duo ever...Pip and MJ...both ends they dominated teams. Shaq and Kobe could have been, but Kobe aspired to be more...not a bad thing. People put Pippen down and even his peers (Isiah Thomas leading the charge) talk like he wasn't a player. I don't get that. MJ didn't teach Pippen how to play, defend, workout, etc. He as a vet and superstar showed him there were no limits and how to compete. You can probably pick a guy with Bill Russell as a top duo, Oscar and Kareem, Bron/Wade, Duncan and Pop

[@MrFraiche]

+kudabeen Pippen's offensive game doesn't command double teams like his elite contemporaries. That is the reason.

[@kudabeen]

+MrFraiche Pippen wasn't double teamed? I believe he was most especially, because his skill set allowed those Bulls teams to play lineups where Jordan was the shortest guy on the floor and Pippen was the ball handled...he took guys in the post and came off screens to double teams regularly. Saying he didn't demand a double team because is just factually incorrect. From 90 through 98 Pip was a well established All star, All nba candidate and all defense guy. But like I said it is cool to minimize him because he is Pippen. Don't know many All stars and MVP candidates who averaged 20+ multiple times not being double teamed... What you may want to say that he was doubled less because unlike MJ and Kobe he was a more proactive play maker for his entire team. Pippen was a mismatch most nights.

[@MrFraiche]

I didn't say Pippen didn't get double teamed in his career, I am saying that his scoring abilities don't command it. As in, he's not an unstoppable 1 on 1 player (e.g. MJ, Barkley, Malone, Hakeem, etc.).

[@zx-25r12]

+kudabeen Shaq and Kobe duo is def better than MJ and Pippen duo. Even LBJ and Wade better than MJ and Pip

[@TomiAdewoleAdetom]

+kudabeen That's a bit of revisionist history. MJ DID play a huge part in forging Pippen into the player he became - especially on the defensive end, where his talents really shined. Had Pippen been opposite Clyde Drexler (a nonetheless phenomenal player), for example, we may not even know his name. That's why he isn't given the same credit by his peers.

[@louiscudjoe6507]

shaq making my lips dry man 😂

[@kingarchnyc]

U could never tell if shaq was telling the truth or not...

[@stillworkin9813]

Shaq was a great player , but sounds like a outstanding Human ,

[@Dingoplexor]

Damn the thumb nail had me thinking kobe was standing next to the Cookie Monster

[@paulxtreme]

Its good to see him and kobe are friends now. Overall, look charles and scottie hated each other in rockets and numerous examples dwight and kobe. But after kobe played with kwame, dwight and roy etc he realized shaq was one of the best ive played with.

[@JeremyTheBallerr]

Kobe gasol

[@jamesdean504]

Dam that thumbnail got shaq looking slow

[@chieflouie2821]

It wasn't Kobe that hated Shaq. It was Jerry Buss who hated Shaqs demands of getting paid.

[@kwakekamdivasi591]

I've never watched one NBA game, but I respect this guy.

[@NathanKJohnson]

Shaq leaving LA benefited both Shaq and Kobe. Shaq won another championship in Miami with another great guard in Dwayne Wade. And Kobe Bryant proved he could lead a team and he won 2 championships.

[@rickyjimenez3357]

With 3 giants to rebound his bad shots. Not sure he led the team to any championships. More like Team championships.

[@yuko7878]

Rip kobe :(

[@2_mutch]

that photo at 0:54 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@alexhitter5992]

Yup......shaq real bad ass....he.knows the real shit....

[@starwarsunderground1034]

Quickly the world forgets MJ and Pippen

[@ogloc4478]

Pippen isn't near Kobe or shaqs level though. Neither of them are at Jordan's, but I would take Kobe and shaq all day

[@starwarsunderground1034]

You couldnt stop MJ Pippen or Kobe.Shaq was guardable with fouls.You double team 23 he let 33 score vice versa

[@Se0420_]

Last time I checked, when Kobe and shaq played together they got their asses kicked by Ben Wallace and Chauncey billups! They not even the greatest laker duo. Kareem and magic were more successful with more individual accomplishments as well. They have 5 rings together. Beats 3!

[@cameronwilliams1744]

Doesn't beat three in a row.

[@joshuahaynes7128]

Star Wars Underground I love Jordan and pippen but Shaq and kobe is the more talented duo period .... the 90s bulls never faced anyone like early 00s lakers

[@RUGGEDBREED]

How about Scalibrine and his invincible greatness?

[@IdiocyShow]

I think Jordan and Pippen, Bird and McHale, Magic and Kareem, Wilt and Jerry and a few others have something to say about being the best duo’s ever Shaq!

[@randyyyball]

lol "after he crossed scottie up" damn

[@kl8750]

The biggest different between Shaq and Kobe was that Kobe was ALL ABOUT BASKETBALL 24/8. Shaq is more of a normal human than Kobe I guess. Ofc they won't get along, Kobe devoted his life to basketball, can't expect everyone to be the same and I think Kobe later on recognized that.

[@nickenzio1]

Dam! Shaq did a pump fake, step back, crossover, slam dunk on this Kat on his own show.

[@uhavemooface]

RIP Kobe Bryant.

[@henningsouz2833]

Michael and Scottie.

[@nabilinho8936]

MJ & Scottie aren't 1-2 punch Players, they are the best duo.

[@taylortrash]

Game 7 vs Portland greatest game of all time

[@abdisamad1829]

Who is here after kobe's death

[@faizsk864]

Really bro ?

[@iftanshateer6157]

Everyone who watches the video, if you didn't know that's how's time works.

[@25mL]

Graham, you gotta corner Jordan for an interview!!

[@DarkSaint411]

Boss!

[@Morleyyy]

Rip

[@erikhopkins9488]

Shaq Heck Nawl!!

[@owen3242]

Maybe not the best 1-2 punch every but DEFINITELY the most controversial 1-2 punch.

[@lazarsorak9589]

I like Kobe really much but Shaq is a better man.

[@youreokayboah2128]

fake ass kobe fan

[@youreokayboah2128]

Justin Dminic Kobe shits on LLLLebron

[@TheFlowBrothers]

Alfonso Montoya LMAO why are you bringing up Lebron when nobody has this whole comment section. You haters lowkey love lebron and would cry if he signed a poster of yours 😂😂💀

[@jesserico159]

Smush Parker & Kobe Bryant best combo ever!

[@idriscouncil8334]

Jesse Rico 2k7 omg

[@MrUrkel0730]

Nah.... it's Kobe and KWAAAME BROWN

[@N8veJay]

Take out Kobe and put Kwame Brown 😂😂😂

[@imfate1715]

I can see Curry and Klay being talked about as one of the best 1 2 punch combo in 10 years

[@stalkerwalker5325]

No I'mFirst they have one 1 then lost the next yea. yea lots of teams have. maby billups and Hamilton are best 1-2 punch.

[@luismeza1367]

Shaq didn't do his part in the 4th, listening to Shaq in the pervious saying he didn't practice hard to be the best he could have been makes me understand more why Kobe and him couldn't coexist. Shaq had something special and didn't work to maintain it.

[@brandonlee1947]

Kobe is selfish but hates Shaq says the haters but he still made the right play by PASSING TO SHAQ. You have to earn Kobe's trust if you want him to pass you the ball. He had no problem passing to Fisher, Shaq, Horry, Fox, Shaw and Gasol and company.

[@TheKingOfRuckus]

He passed to Horry many times for sure, I remember that. Horry hit many big threes, but missed a few too.

[@dariusdeloye7791]

“I just lied but now I’m telling the truth” -shaq

[@erykahbadufan]

Shaq was like 'I got kids' lolololol

[@opticwafflezz6531]

them high waters