Kobe Bryant is one of the hardest working players in NBA history. The man focused on only one thing throughout his career, winning ballgames and winning championships.
For the most part, it worked. Five NBA championships, one MVP, numerous All-Star and All-NBA team appearances, and a spot in the Hall of Fame says it all. Kobe’s Mamba Mentality made him one of the greats.
However, if there was one thing he regretted, it was the fact that others did not work as hard as he did. He has even called out Shaquille O’Neal for being lazy, despite severe criticism. Although, there is one person who has indirectly agreed with him, and that is Gilbert Arenas.
Gilbert Arenas indirectly agrees with Kobe Bryant on Shaquille O’Neal’s laziness
After retirement, Kobe Bryant made headlines when he infamously called out Shaquille O’Neal for being lazy. He claimed that Shaq would have been the best in the world if he had his work ethic.
It received a lot of criticism. But, several years later, Kobe seems to have found a supporter. Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas concurred indirectly, stating that anyone who took on Bryant was lazy.
“When you see the great Kobe and how he works, right? Everyone he dealt with is just lazy people. They were just lazy. Like, how can you really be mad, like a hooper, if a guy says, ‘You’re supposed to be the best ever! Are you supposed to be the usual beer? Lazy as hell! Yeah, you averaged 20 or something because you’re gifted from God, but you don’t have a work ethic. But who is wrong here? The one that says, you should be the best of all? Or the one sitting there saying, ‘I’m already averaging 30. Why do I give a shit?’”
No, Chill Gil doesn’t really mention any names. Although, only one person comes to mind in this situation. The man Kobe thinks could have won him 12 rings.
Kobe claimed that if Shaq had his work ethic, he would have 12 NBA championships
Kobe and Shaq were a great duo that could have dominated the NBA. Unfortunately, their inability to get along led to their separation. However, it has always been a “what if” for many fans. What if Bryant and O’Neal had stayed together?
After his retirement, Black Mamba answered the question. She claims that she would have had 12 rings if they had stayed together and if Diesel had his work ethic.
Kobe says Shaq would be the 🐐 if he had Kobe's work ethic.
(via @patrickbetdavid) pic.twitter.com/3eJH5Imf5S
— ESPN (@espn) August 28, 2019
Kobe’s bold words. Words got him in trouble, but words fans can only ponder on now.
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