Shaquille O’Neal recently shared how he maintains a close connection to Kobe Bryant’s mother, Pamela.

"I always check in on Kobe's mom. I check in on his mom once a month, make sure she's okay,” O’Neal told PEOPLE.

The NBA legend said that Bryant "used to check in on my mom and dad" before his tragic passing in January 2020, and he wanted to be there for Bryant's family. 

"They live in Vegas. I'm in Vegas. I'm close with his sisters (Sharia, 49, and Shaya, 48). I just call to check on them," he said. 

"Their mom has been through a lot in a couple of years, and that takes a toll, and sometimes you just need somebody to just call to check on you," O'Neal continued. "I kind of know what it feels like with the passing of her son, but I don't know what it feels like to lose a son and a husband, so I'm sure she has a lot of pain that she's dealing with.”

In addition to monthly calls, O’Neal sends Pamela flowers to let her know he’s thinking about her.

"I just try to make her smile. I just try to do whatever I can, because I know it's tough,” O’Neal explained.

Considered one of the best duos in NBA history, O’Neal and Bryant led the Los Angeles Lakers to four NBA Finals appearances, including winning three straight championships from 2000 to 2002.