“Won’t coach this team next year if he is still here” – Kobe Bryant’s TERRIBLE behavior almost ended his Lakers career in 2004

Throwback to Phil Jackson's explosive comments on Kobe Bryant during Lakers stint.

“Won’t coach this team next year if he is still here” – Kobe Bryant’s TERRIBLE behavior almost ended his Lakers career in 2004

Phil Jackson and Kobe Bryant (Credits: ESPN)

The early 2000s were peak years in the Los Angeles Lakers incredible history. They had two Hall of Famers and arguably the most iconic and dominant duo in Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. The two threepeated as NBA champions, winning in 2000, 2001, and 2002. They were, without a doubt, unstoppable, and nothing on the court was enough to challenge them at the time. Sadly, the relationship between the two got in the way of further greatness as their egos clashed, eventually resulting in Shaq being traded away to the Miami Heat.

While discussing this infamous beef coach Phil Jackson’s role in the drama is often overlooked, as Shaq was always on the front pages for constantly shooting shots at Bryant. While promoting his book, a clearer picture of Bryant was painted as Jackson himself made some harsh assessments about Bryant’s character. He had allegedly stated to the front office that he refused to stay on the team as long as Bryant was there and even tried to get the star traded.

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He stated to then GM Mitch Kupchack, “I won’t coach this team next year if he is still here. He won’t listen to anyone. I’ve had it with this kid.” This provides fans with a different point of view on Bryant’s character since a man with Jackson’s credibility had also commented on Bryant’s character.

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If a man like Phil Jackson who is known to be the “zen master” and brings various teachongs and calm into his coaching practices wasn’t able to handle Bryant maybe Bryant’s selfishness can be called into question.

Kareem Rush, a player part of the 2004 Lakers squad, had opened up about the teams finals performance. While appearing on ‘The Scoop B Radio’  podcast, he stated ““I mean, they simply outplayed us. Karl was hurt in that series. And I think Kobe selfishly wanted MVP,” said Rush. “I think that we were favored by everybody to win the series you know, and at the time Shaq had the first three Finals MVP’s. So I think Kobe had the mindset with that as the primary focus, but I think he was really itching to get that MVP – and we got caught off guard by a better team.”

Also read: Shaquille O’Neal once accidentally revealed his belief that 9/11 was an INSIDE JOB

Why did Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant beef?

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Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal (ABC News)

It is very well known that Shaq and Bryant did not get along during their stint together as a part of the Los Angeles Lakers, eventually leading to Shaq being traded away. This is despite the fact that the duo was proven to be highly effective together, winning three back-to-back championships. There are various factors behind this. It dates back to when the two initially joined the team, with Shaq coming in from Orlando and Bryant being drafted.

In 1998, Shaq was apparently jealous of Bryant’s jersey sales and accused him of being a ball-hog. Shaq mocked Kobe’s turnovers and blunders during the All-Star game introductions but claimed it was an inside joke between the two. They managed to win the first of their three championships together in 2000. Their beef truly began during the 2000-2001 season when Bryant openly feuded with Shaq for coming into training camp completely out of shape. Bryant requested for the ball to be played more through his hands, and Shaq fought with management over this matter. Head coach Phil Jackson brushed it aside.

The two still managed to win the next two rings together, and Bryant faced rape accusations heading into the 2004 season. Bryant was upset at O’Neal for not attempting to reach out during his legal troubles, stating that Shaq was “supposed to be my friend.”

The team ultimately lost the 2004 finals, resulting in their feud reaching a boiling point. Phil Jackson was removed from his position, and new management said they would consider trading Shaq immediately, resulting in Shaq wanting out of the squad. He was traded to the Miami Heat, and Bryant signed a long-term contract with the Lakers.

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