In March of 2002, two of the league’s biggest stars, Kobe Bryant and Reggie Miller had a fight after a Lakers-Pacers game.
It was a real fight with both throwing punches. People had a hard time separating the two. Once they manage to do that, the league suspended both for two games.
This suspension though, caused Kobe’s teammate, Shaquille O’Neal, to show an amazing sign of respect, solidarity and brotherhood. The two were one of the greatest duos in NBA history, but didn’t always see eye-to-eye privately. As great as they were on the court, as problematic was their personal relationship at times.
After the Pacers game, the Lakers played against the Houston Rockets, and Shaq wore Bryant’s No. 8 jersey during warmups. Since the jerseys didn’t come in Shaq’s size (does anything?), it looked kind of funny on the 330-pounder.
Kobe didn’t only love the gesture, but also the fact that his jersey got stretched out.
“I was kind of happy, man, because you know how the NBA rules make you wear those tight, little John Stockton uniforms? I was kind of happy. He stretched it out for me. I was hoping maybe he could wear my shorts.”
