“All the stuff that was documented between us was never a dislike … It’s what brothers do … I love Kobe Bryant.” Shaquille O’Neal once opened up about his love for his former teammate. No doubt, both of them clashed heads when they were teammates, but they hashed it out post-retirement. Black Mamba even mentored Shaq’s kids, and that’s why the death of the Lakers legend was personally an emotional moment for the Big Aristotle. The emotional toll was also visible during the hour-long tribute on TNT, which Ernie Johnson recalled recently.
“I’ll be real: The show I’ll never forget is the one we did in LA after Kobe died. Because they canceled the game, but we went out there and did the show mid-court; nobody in the arena, and just talked about him.” On the Draymond Green show, EJ spoke about the top moment of his broadcasting career was not the goofy antics that the crew usually does. But honoring Kobe Bryant in an empty Staples Center, as the game against the Clippers was postponed. Shaquille O’Neal also explained how the last few months at the time were difficult for him since he had lost a family member.
In October, he lost his sister, Ayesha Harrison-Jex, at the age of 40. She had been diagnosed with cancer three years ago. Previously, Ernie Johnson called the show “therapeutic” as everyone could find strength in others’ vulnerability. This is the reason, over his 35-year-old career with TNT, he remembers honoring Kobe Bryant as his top moment. “And for like Shaq (Shaquille O’Neal), it was the first time he had a chance to talk about Kobe, you know. We bring Jerry West on, and he’s balling, you know. It was the most powerful show I’ve ever been a part of, and it was just so real and so raw.”
Over the years, Inside the NBA fans have cherished its segment of the crew’s trolling and back-and-forth moments. However, on that night, as per Ernie Johnson, it left a long-lasting memory, not only for fans but for him as well. “But also, they’ll say man, did you see that tribute to Kobe last night, and that was you know, probably the thing if I had to look at it right now and say the thing I will never forget about that show was that night.”
The special opened with Bryant’s voice, over a photo montage of his memorable basketball moments, saying: “I started playing basketball since I was two and I haven’t put it down since…I just loved everything about it.” Next, music from Beyonce’s song Heaven played in the background, and the lyrics “Heaven couldn’t wait for you” began.
Kobe Bryant was close to joining Shaquille O’Neal and Co.
After his retirement in 2016, the 5x NBA champion did multiple off-court ventures. But spending time with his daughters and coaching them took precedence. Black Mamba even denied having an interest in pursuing a career in sports broadcasting. “I’m just not interested. I don’t have the passion to pursue it.” However, Charles Barkley revealed that the deal with TNT was in place, but another issue arose.
Kobe Bryant poses for a portrait inside of his office in Costa Mesa, California, on Jan. 17, 2020. Bryant, one of the greatest NBA players in history, is building an impressive resume in his post-basketball career, including winning an Academy Award.
“The thing with Kobe was so interesting because he’s like, ‘Hey, I want to keep it a secret. I want to keep it a secret.’” Sir Charles spoke on Podcast P with Paul George to further state why the deal never materialized. “He actually signed with us. But when we started telling him like, we had to do a bunch of radio shows.” As per the 76ers legend, Kobe Bryant was keen to join the show but on board with multiple promotional commitments.
Because those would involve working close to at least 5 days a week. So, Kobe Bryant made up his mind by not joining Shaquille O’Neal, Ernie Johnson, and Kenny Smith. Despite him not joining, the crew made sure to honor the Lakers legend the best way possible.
The post Shaquille O’Neal’s Grief for Kobe Bryant Created “Most Powerful” Moment in TNT History, Reveals Longtime Colleague appeared first on EssentiallySports.
