Disappeared in early 2020, Kobe Bryant left a huge void on the NBA planet, both among fans and among those who know him personally. If some have managed to rationalize this tragic episode, a certain Shaquille O’Neal still can’t get over it. And his words are heartbreaking…
Almost 3 years. Almost 3 years, already, that Kobe Bryanthis daughter Gianna and all the passengers of the helicopter were torn from life on this disastrous January 26, 2020. A tragedy with eternal impact, as the Black Mamba seemed to be fulfilled in his life as a young retiree, he who was still sitting in the front row of the Staples Center with his youngest a few days before the disaster…
Despite the countless tributes, some were particularly struck, even more than others, by this loss. And behind the heavy liabilities between him and Kobe, the rowdy declarations and the shell, Shaquille O’Neal is one of the worst in the long run.
Doubly bereaved, Shaq can no longer sleep
Already in tears at the time of the tribute ceremony to his former rival who became a friend, the colossus readily admits that he still has not managed to turn the page. Moreover, his poignant statements at the microphone of HBO speak volumes regarding the trauma experienced by the Big Cactus:
Shaq:
“I don’t go to bed till 5 AM… Ever since Kobe [Bryant] and my sister died I can’t sleep.”
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(via @HBO) pic.twitter.com/ZQtACr0lRG
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) December 27, 2022
Shaq: “I’m not going to bed until 5 am. Since Kobe and my sister died, I can’t sleep anymore.
A heartbreaking confession from the Diesel, who, like too many people, has chained misfortunes during the year 2020. In addition to the loss of Kobe, and the eternal regrets that go with it in view of the complicated relationship between the two men, the big man indeed had the immense pain of losing his sister, Ayesha, who died of cancer at the age of 40.
For O’Neal, the nights have been particularly long since then, and we understand better why Shaq never misses an opportunity to clown or entertain the gallery on the set of Inside The NBA. Laugh to heal, and smile to (a little) forget the big psychological consequences of these two dramas in quick succession.
All the fortune and fame in the world aren’t much in the face of grief and grief, and Shaquille O’Neal has had that bitter experience for many years. Let’s hope for him that the Big Cactus quickly manages to overcome this infinite sadness which lengthens his sleepless nights…