Shaq and Kobe First Championship 2000 Finals
The 2000 NBA Finals: O'Neal fouled out in overtime of Game 4, not regulation.
The Shaq–Kobe feud was the conflict between National Basketball Association (NBA) players Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, who played for the Los Angeles Lakers from 1996–2004. O'Neal and Bryant won three consecutive NBA championships (2000, 2001, 2002), and appeared in the 2004 NBA Finals.
Quick Facts
- Year
- 2000
- Opponent
- Indiana Pacers
- Series result
- Lakers Won 4-2
- Finals mvp
- Shaquille O'Neal
- Coach
- Phil Jackson
- Home arena
- Staples Center
Lore & Background
In the 2000 NBA Finals against the Indiana Pacers, the Lakers won in six games. The Lakers led the series 2–0 behind O'Neal's dominating presence. The Lakers lost Game 3, which Bryant missed with an ankle injury. After O'Neal fouled out in overtime of Game 4, Jackson spread the floor and had Bryant take over the offense and lead the team to victory. Leading 110–109 with 1:32 remaining in Game 6, Jackson again spread the offense—even with O'Neal on the floor—and again allowed Bryant to take over; the Lakers won the game, 116–111, and the championship. In the ensuing celebration, Bryant was the first person to embrace O'Neal.
Reader's Guide
The old entry incorrectly claimed O'Neal fouled out in regulation. All other details remain as.
Did You Know?
- O'Neal was the NBA Finals MVP in each of the Lakers' three championship victories.
- The Lakers' 13-point comeback after three quarters in Game 7 of the 2000 Western Conference Finals was the most in a Game 7 in NBA playoffs history.
- Bryant missed Game 3 of the 2000 Finals with an ankle injury.
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