I really dont think he (kobe) drove away anyone. In all honesty, its the Laker management you need to check out. Shaq and Kobe have always fought and threw words at each other, but always managed to co-exist. They even won three titles, and always were one of the top teams in the West. Even after all the drama, they made the Finals last year. I think it has more to do with contracts and respect from the big dogs in the upper management. Kobe could have cried all he wanted about Shaq and if the management didnt want to release Shaq they wouldn't have. I know your sayin that Kobe would have left. Well Shaq refused to play with the Lakers even if Kobe left. So it really doesn't make a difference. Shaq was fed up with the management of the team, more than KOBE BRYANT. I dont resent Kobe, I dont resent Shaq, I resent Kupchak and what he LET HAPPEN. I dont even remember the management asking for a meeting for the two of them. West would have been able to set it up. Yes, Im saying it. He has always commanded the respect of the Laker players. I bet that West would have been able to get their two GIANT egos into one room and work something out. The managment is weak. Something needs to be done upstairs. There needs to be some kind of change. If West was in charge, this Kobe and Shaq extravaganza would never have happened. Its sad, because I would almost guarantee a couple more rings with the two of them playing together.
I think MJ was the man because he played awesome offense and defense. Kobe is compared to Jordan when it comes to his offense, but even then, IMHO, I don't think Kobe even comes close to Jordan. I still think he's a badass.
I know Shaq probably didn't leave just because of Kobe but he was one of the things that influenced his trade. Like trenchteam said, the management should've done a better job of controlling the whole situation.
[quote name='Oneinpower']<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">**John Salley: Wrong. Playing with Shaq of course makes it easier for Kobe, but I don't thing Michael would have done as well as Kobe is, playing with another superstar. If you think about it, Jordan had someone who rebounded for him (Rodman) Rodman was not with the Bulls when Jordan won his first 3 rings. Was it Rodman who played with the Pistons when they won those Championship rings. so what. We have to wait and see what happen with Kobe in the coming years before we compare him to Jordan. Jordan didn't have Shaq and to say he(jordan) had Rodman is insane Salley was about 100 years old when he played a old Jordan compared to the young Kobe. I can't wait to see what Kobe does and I hope he is better then Jordan someday but not now its to soon. The Media makes a big deal about KG, TMac and Kobe being so young and scoring 10,000 points. but they came out of High School. What would David Robinson done is he didn't go to College for 4 years and to the Military for 2 more years. he would have been one of the best big man ever.</div> O Brother! What a Klown...He also stated Pippen's name in their bro. Did you practice with Kobe and Jordan? Have you stepped on the court with Kobe/Michael? Have you personally talked to them? Man you just saw a bunch of stats Hey man, he played with both of them, he is the real witness, we ain't the judge, he is is...So respect his descision, I'm guessing he's right. I understand where you comin' from...Itt's cuz your emotionally attached to Mike, you have nostalgia towards him..and you can't touch him..he's the GOAT, yes he is...but KOBE can do whatever he can. I'm not saying he's better ( It said in my last post, but I pasted it that from another source) Okay both were known to be high-flyers in their early careers...Now KOBE is known for his playmaking, and his fade-aways, midrange shot, mental toughness, clutchness....that sounds like Mike to me. Just watch the upcoming seasons...they are equal, if not better. GO SCBRIAN 8>23
