NBA: Kobe Bryant Messages Shaquille O’Neal’s Son Shareef Moments Before Helicopter Crash

NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna passed away last Sunday in a helicopter crash. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Nine confirmed nine other people on board were also killed in the accident.

Kobe Bryant is considered one of the best players in the NBA with his historic career. An 18-time All-Star, 5-time champion, and a former MVP, Kobe Bryant has influenced the world through the sport. He is known for his strict demeanor and cerebral approach to the game that has influenced athletes from every corner of the globe.

This includes Shaquille O’Neal’s Son Shareef who most recently played for the UCLA basketball program. He announced last week that he was transferring out of the Bruins.

With the devastating news of Kobe Bryant’s sudden passing, Shaquille O'Neal's son, Shareef O’Neal took to Twitter his disbelief.

He shared that Kobe Bryant checked up on him the morning of the helicopter crash. The screenshot of his direct message with the Laker legend shows that Kobe Bryant was the first to reach out to him. “Literally this morning you reached out to me…I love you forever unc I love you,” the young O’Neal tweeted.

He also offered a little tribute to Kobe Bryant’s daughter Gianna as he tweeted how much he loves her.

Kobe Bryant was the source of Mamba Mentality. It is a true discipline of working hard and pushing oneself to the limit. It’s clear that this influenced Shareef with the mentorship and communication he has with the Black Mamba himself. Shareef O’Neal and Kobe Bryant had a strong bond with each other – as he grew up with the future Hall of Famer.

Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant had one of the more memorable and successful runs in Laker history. The two combined for three championships for the Purple and Gold and dominated the early 2000’s. Their three-peat from 2000 to 2002 showed that their dynamic duo wasn’t to be messed with.