Shaquille O’Neal and his family were hit hard following the death of NBA star and friend Kobe Bryant. And while Shaquille had the platform to speak out about his friend and share his grief, his son Shareef O’Neal is honoring the Lakers all-star in a different way.
[RELATED: NBA Legend Shaquille O’Neal Breaks Down Over Kobe Bryant’s Death— “My Spirit Just Left My Body”]
On Tuesday, Shareef took to his Instagram story to reveal his latest tats honoring Kobe, who was killed in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26 along with his daughter Gianna when they were headed to a basketball tournament. In his story, you can see Shareef on the table as the tattoo artist works his magic. The end result is revealed in the following shots. On his shin, Shareef has MAMBA Mentality and to the side is Kobe with a Mamba jersey sporting the number 2 as well as the numbers 8 and 24, which Kobe wore during his time on the Lakers. the only player in NBA history to have two numbers.
Following Kobe’s death, Shareef shared some texts he received from Kobe the morning of his death. ” I wish I didn’t sleep in so I could’ve talked to you .. I can’t even think straight right now,” he wrote alongside the texts. Kobe always supported and encouraged the younger O’Neal. Shareef later posted about his grief alongside a photo of Bryant’s Jersey’s.
