NBA2K trailer spoofs Shaquille O’Neal-Kobe Bryant beef

The tension between Kobe Bryant and Shauqille O’Neal once stemmed over personality differences, work habits and control over the Lakers franchise. Though both sides say they have reconciled those issues, O’Neal and Bryant both brought a comedic twist between a duo that dominated on the court and fought off of it.

In a trailer for the NBA 2K18 Legend Edition that will be released on Sept. 19,, O’Neal stands behind a lectern and thanks various unnamed coaches and teammates for helping him get on the cover of the popular video game. O’Neal then expressed gratitude to Bryant for reasons that had nothing to do with his skills.

“He was an NBA 2K Legend cover athlete first,” O’Neal said of Bryant. “He’s so awesome and handsome and has really nice natural teeth.”

O’Neal then expresses confusion as he read the telemprompter. He then realized Bryant wrote those words for him. O’Neal vowed that “payback is going to be fun,” bringing new life to a beef they insist no longer exists.


RELATED:

Shaq’s Lakers teammates recall practice pranks worthy of statue honor

Shaquille O’Neal: ‘It means a lot’ Kobe Bryant spoke at his statue unveiling

“We Want Tacos” Lakers podcast on Shaquille O’Neal’s legacy with the Lakers

Follow L.A. Daily News Lakers beat writer Mark Medina on Twitter and on Facebook. E-mail him at mmedina@scng.com. Subscribe to the “We Want Tacos” Lakers podcast on iTunes.