Shaquille O’Neal sets the record straight on his departure from the Lakers

Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant made up one of the greatest superstar duos in basketball history, and together they led the Los Angeles Lakers to three straight NBA championships from 2000 to 2002.

Although they played eight seasons together and accomplished things very few duos, let alone entire organizations, have ever accomplished, many still think of their Lakers tenure in terms of what they didn’t accomplish, as they feel the duo would’ve won several more titles had it remained together.

Many to this day still blame Bryant for O’Neal’s departure from L.A. in 2004, even though it was O’Neal himself who asked to be traded that summer.

In a recent interview, the legendary center said he didn’t leave because of his so-called feud with Bryant, but for financial reasons (h/t The Sports Rush).