Shaq and Kobe: Where the end began

It wasn't that long ago that Shaquille O'Neal was making fun of Kobe Bryant in an impromptu rap song at a nightclub.

And now Shaq is telling Sports Illustrated's Dan Patrick that Kobe is the best player in the game.

There's more insight into the strange relationship between Shaq and Kobe in Times' staff writer Mark Heisler's book, "Madmen's Ball," which is excerpted on our website today. Check it out.

--Randy Harvey

Photo: Shaquille O'Neal, right, and Kobe Bryant on the Lakers bench in 2003. Credit: Lori Shepler / Los Angeles Times