Reunited, Bryant and O’Neal Are Dynamic

PHOENIX — For one evening, Shaquille O’Neal, the N.B.A.’s reigning clown prince, provided a vivid reminder of his unique place in the basketball universe.O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, former teammates and rivals with the Los Angeles Lakers, were briefly reunited Sunday evening, leading the West to a 146-119 victory over the East in the N.B.A. All-Star Game.

They laughed and passed, danced and dunked, and emerged as the co-most valuable players. Bryant provided the most points (27), while O’Neal provided the most mirth. Afterward, they embraced and then playfully tugged at the M.V.P. trophy, as if they were old childhood friends and not onetime sparring partners.