Kobe said that winning without Shaq would've "allowed him to rise the way he wanted to rise."
NBA legend appeared on SHOWTIME Basketball’s “All the Smoke” podcast and told a story about “different” mentality while he was in the NBA.
Zeke said.
Thomas continued.
Bryant wanted to part ways with Shaq so he could be the only reason his team won the championship—Kobe won the first three rings of his career alongside O'Neal, and they were recognized as the best duo in the NBA by a wide margin.
Zeke added.
Kobe is recognized as one of the best players in NBA history. His skills on the court left fans stunned night in and night out, and his success was more than earned.
Anytime Bryant is mentioned, his “Mamba Mentality” should immediately come to mind. Sure, he was athletically gifted, but he worked harder than anybody else that stood in his way.
To Bryant’s credit, he went on to win two championships without Shaq. That said, O'Neal also won a ring without Kobe. It makes you wonder how many championships they would’ve been able to win had they stayed together for the entirety of their time in the NBA.
