Shaquille O’Neal has always been known not only for his dominance on the basketball court but also for his deep loyalty and care toward those close to him.
Since the tragic passing of his former Lakers teammate Kobe Bryant in 2020, Shaq has maintained a strong connection with Kobe’s family, especially his mother, Pam Bryant. Recently, in a heartfelt tribute timed to coincide with Kobe’s birthday and the celebration of “8/24 Day,” Shaq surprised Pam with a beautifully restored family car, demonstrating once again his unwavering support and affection for the Bryant family.
Shaq spoke candidly about his ongoing relationship with Pam during an appearance on the ‘Off The Record’ podcast, revealing how he frequently checks in on her.
“I’m really close with his mother now. We talk all the time,” Shaq said. Understanding the immense pain she endures, he makes a point to reach out with small acts of kindness.
“I just call her, just to check on her. See if she needs anything. Flowers. ‘Love you’. ‘Miss you’. Stuff like that,” he shared. This simple but consistent communication highlights the deep respect and empathy Shaq has cultivated in the years since Kobe’s passing.
A special restoration for a special family
To honor Kobe’s memory and support Pam in a meaningful way, Shaq turned to his trusted friends at Effortless Motors to restore a sentimental piece of Bryant family history – a 1996 Toyota Land Cruiser.
This vehicle is particularly special because it was one that Kobe drove during his high school years. According to the Kelly Blue Book, a Land Cruiser from that era in good condition is valued around $9,000. Anthony Hall, a close friend of Shaq and a representative of Effortless Motors, explained how the restoration project began.
“One time Shaquille went over to her house and saw this vehicle in the front and he asked Ma Bryant about whose vehicle that was. She said that was a vehicle Kobe drove when he was in high school. It was in really bad shape,” Hall said.
Though the exact cost of the restoration has not been publicly disclosed, it is widely believed that Shaq personally financed the project. While Pam’s reaction hasn’t been made public, the gesture itself speaks volumes about the respect and love Shaq continues to hold for Kobe’s family.
Shaquille O’Neal’s affection and respect for Kobe Bryant have been well-documented over the years. Despite rumors of a feud between the two, Shaq has been clear that their relationship was one of mutual respect.
“We had a highly respectable relationship. Drama sells. A lot of people think our relationship was something else but it wasn’t,” he explained.
Choosing Effortless Motors for this restoration was no coincidence either. The shop has worked on many of Shaq’s prized vehicles, including custom builds for his Hellcats and Dodge Chargers. This thoughtful restoration serves as yet another example of Shaq’s commitment to honoring Kobe’s legacy and supporting his family with genuine love and care.
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