Kobe Bryant is highly regarded by his NBA peers thanks to his Hall of Fame career and reputation as one of the ultimate competitors the NBA has seen. While his contemporaries may not have always been fond of playing against him or even with him, he has the respect of most around the league.
So, when Bryant took home the Oscar for “Best Animated Short” on Sunday night, it came as no surprise that NBA stars from past and present took to Twitter to congratulate the Black Mamba on adding the golden man statue to his collection of basketball awards.
Among the first to fire off a congratulatory tweet was Kobe’s former teammate, rival and now friend again, Shaquille O’Neal. Shaq took to Twitter to note he was both proud and jealous (we appreciate the honesty Shaq) that Bryant now had an Oscar.
Congrats to KOBE first Oscar that’s big bro #dearbasketball. Proud of you, Big honor for you and your family. I’m jealous lol
— SHAQ (@SHAQ) March 5, 2018
Easily the best part of that tweet were the many Kazaam responses that followed.
Many were proud of Kobe for his “shut up and dribble” comment during his speech, pointing out the ridiculous nature of Fox News host Laura Ingraham’s comments towards LeBron James — including James himself.
Salute @kobebryant on that Oscar!! #WeAreMoreThanShutUpDribble #UJustContinueToSitBackAndWatch
— LeBron James (@KingJames) March 5, 2018
I know the individual who said that statement is watching the Oscars and I hope she still feels dumb as hell https://t.co/sRm67jtdt5
— Evan Turner (@thekidet) March 5, 2018
Others pointed out how absurd it is that Kobe can have as much success as he did as an NBA player and immediately jump into film making and win an Oscar.
Kobe got chips, won an Oscar and speak multiple languages fluently 🐐
— CJ McCollum (@CJMcCollum) March 5, 2018
Congrts @kobebryant https://t.co/q5AmPq1SKH
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) March 5, 2018
Kobe. #oscars
— Kevin Love (@kevinlove) March 5, 2018
Congratulations @kobebryant!! More hardware for the Mamba. #Oscars pic.twitter.com/3RY30WUYA6
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) March 5, 2018
One of the GOAT’s just won an Oscar. Such a monumental moment. Congratulations @kobebryant!
— Patrick Patterson (@pdpatt) March 5, 2018
Props to #BlackMamba b-ball titles Oscars what’s next
— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) March 5, 2018
@kobebryant I admired you and I’m Glad you more than basketball. Congrats on you Oscar.
— Greivis Vasquez (@greivisvasquez) March 5, 2018