Shaquille O'Neal was recently honored with a hanging bronze statue at Star Plaza in Staples Center. The towering 1500-pound likeness showed Shaq's most favorite moves: making a dunk, hanging by the goal and intimidating players. The crowd present during the event were composed of long-time basketball greats, Shaq's family and fans but no one expected Kobe Bryant to be there to show some support.

The two Los Angeles Lakers teammates were reunited last Friday during the unveiling of Shaquille O'Neal's 1500-pound bronze statue, ESPN reported. O'Neal and Bryant played side by side and were able to win three consecutive titles. The former teammates worked perfectly together but also had one of the most bitter NBA feuds that ripped their team apart. Bryant went on to play for the Lakers and retired in 2016 while O'Neal was traded to Miami Heat where he was able to win a title in 2006.

Kobe Bryant was the last one to speak among the guests and the crowd cheered as he referred to Shaq as "the most dominant player" that the Lakers guard has ever seen. Kobe recalled how Shaquille O'Neal's competitive side shone when he stepped into the court despite being one of the most comical in the team.

Shaquille O'Neal thanked everyone who came at his statue's unveiling. Among those present were Lakers coach Phil Jackson, former Lakers executive Jerry West, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and guard Elgin Baylor. A number of Shaq's former teammates were also present at Staples Center. The 7"1' player also thanked all his fans who supported him all these years and said that he appreciated their presence even during the not-so-good moments in his life.

After the ceremony, Shaquille O'Neal was asked to describe what the statue of him represents, Yahoo Sports reported. He said that the statue was a guy who played with huge force and who wanted to please the crowd. He recalled that he would do the dunk not just because he wanted to score but to intimidate his opponent and to make the crowd go wild.

The celebrated Shaquille O'Neal statue can be found outside Staples Center at Star Plaza. The nine-foot bronze image hangs from a wall of the center about 10 feet above the ground. It will be a permanent attraction at the park along with the statues of Wayne Gretzky, Kareem Abdul-Jabber, Oscar De La Hoya and Magic Johnson among others.

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