The tension between Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal peaked after the team failed to win a championship, despite the fact that two legends, Gary Payton and Karl Malone, joined the team to form the first super team. Prior to the start of the season, the "Black Mamba" was relentless in his comments about former Los Angeles Lakers big man O'Neal. O'Neal insisted he was the leader of the team, while Bryant publicly revealed details of O'Neal's contract.
According to ESPN, the five-time NBA champion, who had won three titles with O'Neal by then, had some fiery comments.
"When we have two future Hall of Famers playing here," Bryant said, "a leader doesn't go in front of the media begging for an extension and negotiating a $30-plus million-a-year contract that's practically free.
"A leader doesn't ask for the ball every time when you have the three of us (Malone, Payton and Bryant) playing next to you, let alone teammates who have been playing against you for years - who, by the way, threaten you with no defense and no rebounds if you don't get the ball every time you go on the court," he added.
Bryant made those comments publicly before the start of the new season, which makes both stars look even brighter as they vie for their fourth championship trophy.
"A leader doesn't ask for the ball every time when you have the three of us (Malone, Payton and Bryant) playing next to you, let alone teammates who have been playing against you for years - who, by the way, threaten you with no defense and no rebounds if you don't get the ball every time you go on the court," he added.
Bryant made those comments publicly before the start of the new season, which makes both stars look even brighter as they vie for their fourth championship trophy.
Despite making numerous important additions, the Lakers still had to deal with difficulties throughout the season. Kobe Bryant was accused of sexual assault in Colorado, his feud with O'Neal was at an all-time high, Payton had trouble adjusting to Phil Jackson's triangle offense system, and Malone was plagued by injuries for much of the regular season.
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