The tributes to Kobe Bryant continued to roll in on Tuesday as the “NBA on TNT” crew took to air for the first time since his death in a helicopter crash on Sunday.
It marked the first time that Shaquille O’Neal — Bryant’s teammate on three championship teams with the Los Angeles Lakers — has spoken publicly on the tragedy.
O’Neal released a Twitter statement in the immediate aftermath of the news, mourning the loss of “my brother.” He broke down in tears on the TNT set Tuesday as he, Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Dwyane Wade opened up about Bryant as they broadcast from the Lakers court at Staples Center.