Shaquille O’Neal, a legendary figure in the NBA and a former teammate of Kobe Bryant, has once again demonstrated his deep loyalty and affection for the Bryant family. This time, the gesture comes in the form of a $9,000 car restoration gift to Pam Bryant, Kobe’s mother, coinciding with what would have been Kobe’s birthday and the observance of “8/24 Day.”
Since Kobe’s tragic passing in 2020, Shaq has maintained a close relationship with Pam, regularly checking in on her and offering support. During a recent appearance on the ‘Off The Record’ podcast, O’Neal opened up about their bond. “I’m really close with his mother now. We talk all the time,” he shared, emphasizing the importance of reaching out with small acts of kindness. “I just call her to check on her. See if she needs anything. Flowers. ‘Love you’. ‘Miss you’. Stuff like that.”
This consistent communication reflects the profound respect and empathy Shaquille has cultivated in the years following Kobe’s death. To honor Kobe’s memory and provide Pam with a meaningful gift, Shaq enlisted the help of Effortless Motors to restore a cherished family vehicle—a 1996 Toyota Land Cruiser. This particular car holds special significance as it was one Kobe drove during his high school years.
Anthony Hall, a close friend of Shaquille and a representative of Effortless Motors, recounted how the restoration project came to be. “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 explained.
While the exact cost of the restoration was not disclosed, it is widely believed that Shaquille personally financed the project. Although Pam’s reaction to the gift has not been made public, the gesture itself speaks volumes about Shaq’s enduring respect and love for the Bryant family.
O’Neal’s affection for Kobe has been well-documented over the years, and he has consistently clarified that their relationship was one of mutual respect, despite rumors of a feud. “We had a highly respectable relationship. Drama sells. A lot of people think our relationship was something else but it wasn’t,” he noted.
Choosing Effortless Motors for this restoration was intentional; the shop has previously worked on many of Shaq’s prized vehicles, including custom builds for his Hellcats and Dodge Chargers. This thoughtful restoration not only serves as a tribute to Kobe’s legacy but also highlights Shaquille O’Neal’s commitment to supporting the Bryant family with genuine love and care.
As the NBA community continues to remember Kobe Bryant, gestures like Shaquille O’Neal’s remind us of the bonds formed on and off the court, showcasing the enduring impact of friendship and loyalty in the world of sports.