“I know you’ve got a hard-on for Karl Malone” – 7-Time NBA champion launched scathing attack on Lakers front office before DESTROYING them and ending their season

Robert Horry's Lakers exit reveals the importance of communication in professional sports.

“I know you’ve got a hard-on for Karl Malone” – 7-Time NBA champion launched scathing attack on Lakers front office before DESTROYING them and ending their season

Robert Horry (via Basketball History)

In 2004, Karl Malone signed a $18 million contract to play with the Los Angeles Lakers. Robert Horry‘s tenure in Los Angeles was fantastic. Between 2000 and 2002, he made several critical baskets for the Lakers and assisted Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal in their three-peat. Big Shot Bob’s stay in Hollywood wasn’t as successful as he had hoped, despite the fact that he enjoyed winning titles and making huge shots for the Purple and Gold.

In a 2015 article titled “How to be a Big Shot” for The Players Tribune, Horry said that the Lakers’ lack of transparency was the main reason he departed L.A. with a strong dislike for them. He offered to stay for $2 million, but they showed little interest in him. He also tried to get out before the last day, but his request was turned down.

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During an interview, Horry stated:

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I know I make too much money and I know you’ve got a hard-on for Karl Malone.’ They had been wanting him for five years, ever since Phil got there. I’m a realist. Tell me like it is, and I will respect you more; just don’t go behind my back.

Robert Horry’s departure and the lessons in professionalism: A glimpse into the complex world of Athlete-Organization communication

Horry claimed he would have accepted a wage decrease in order to remain in Los Angeles. However, he also informed the organisation that he wanted to be released early so that he could still find a respectable salary with another team if they had no interest in having him return. However, that did not occur.

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Robert Horry won seven championships in the NBA [Image Credits: Twitter]

Horry’s frank explanation of the case underlined the need for athletes to have clear channels of communication with their organizations. Professionalism, in itself, was demonstrated through his accepting a pay cut and their desire for clarity in their interaction, in itself.

Such a move in the game of professional sports where loyalty, talent and contracts mix up is what reminds us how tough a career can be for an athlete.

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