Following the tragic loss of Kobe Bryant and his 13-year old daughter Gianna, Shaquille O’Neal posts online tribute for his longtime friend and teammate.

 

 

 

Shaq writes, “There’s no words to express the pain I’m going through with this tragedy of losing my niece Gigi and brother Kobe Bryant.  I love you and you will be missed.  My condolences goes out to the Bryant family and the families of the other passengers on board.  I’m sick right now.”

 

 

Prior to his tribute, Shaquille’s son, Shareef O’Neal, posted a series of tweets which read, “Wait…,” “Can’t be real.  Please don’t be real,” and “Gigi .. love you cousin.”

 

 

 

Shareef even posted a photo of his and Kobe’s last text message, “Literally this morning you reached out to me.  I love you forever unc.  I love you.”

 

 

Kobe and Shaquille were teammates on the Lakers from 1996 – 2004.  Together, from 2000 – 2002, they won three, back-to-back championships and from 2003 – 04, they reached a fourth NBA Finals.

 

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