Kobe and Shaq: The Rise and Fall Of A Dynasty

After watching the sit sown interview between Kobe and Shaq regarding the rise and fall of their Laker dynasty, it gave me a sense of nostalgia an urge to really discover who and what they were. I will uncover the truth behind this great duo and reveal the real reasons for their decline.
Shaq and Kobe who many others and I regard as the best duo ever, left behind a legacy of 3 championships multiple playoff and finals and finals appearances, and overall league dominance. But in the beginning it didn't start that way, Shaq signed with the Lakers in 96' Kobe's rookie year. They made it to the Western Conference Semifinals where they lost to the Jazz in the 5th game which is regarded as Kobe's worst game, where he shot 3 airballs to in the clutch. Shaq speaks on this experience in the segment saying "I wasn't mad at you, that's why I was the first one to come grab you and say...One day people will fear you at the end of the game."
Shaq in this interview recalls telling Kobe your going to be great since he recognized his work ethic in spite of the poor performance. Well right he was, little did they know in 2 years (1999-2000 season) they would be crowned champions of the NBA winning their first title in 6 games against the Reggie Miller lead Pacers. But this would only be the beginning of the L.A dynasty. Upon meeting each other Kobe told Shaq he would become the "Greatest Player Of All Time" and that he did with his continuous grind and passion for the game. As we all know the Lakers went on to defeat the Sixers to win their second title finishing with the best post season record ever of 15-1. And then went on to win a 3rd beating the Nets.
Well where did the beef between the two start you may ask. They establish that there was never no real "Beef" it was just tension. Kobe explains that this tension stemmed from Shaq's poor work ethic in the offseason, he felt Shaq didn't work as much as he did or as hard to be the best he could be . Shaq in the segment states jokingly to kobe that he "Didn't have to get ready for dunking". During the time period from the second title to the last final appearance in the 04-05 season where they lost to the Pistons, the tension between the two started to rise. As Shaq got older he didn't try to combat father time like most players would by increasing their work ethic and workout routine. This continued to annoy Kobe, Shaq tells Kobe " Because I had you (A guy that could get me 40 anytime) I could just chill in the Summer." In this conversation they expound upon the fact that they bestowed so much trust and high hope in one another that when expectations were let down, it caused anger in one another. Also, during this time period Kobe and Shaq would do small interviews on outlets like ESPN where they would let out quotes criticizing each other in some form. They acknowledge that much of the public perception of that they hated each other was caused by the media which twisted their words to make bold headlines. But despite what was said or felt off court, they both say it was business when they stepped on the court.
In the defining moments leading to the end Kobe recalls hearing something in the media Shaq said and rushing down to he practice facility fully expecting a fight that was prevented by a teammate. But in the end Shaq was traded to the Heat where he went on to win one more championship with D wade. Then Kobe continued to go on and win two more titles back to back from 09-10. Shaq jokes about the anger he experienced when he saw Kobe had got one more then him, whiles Kobe expressed the joy he gained knowing he had one more than Shaq.
Overall it was rejoicing to look back at the legacy they created and uncover the truth of their so called "Beef". It makes me glad that we can finally look back on Shaq and Kobe as what they were rather than what the media made them out to be.