Los Angeles Lakers: Kobe Bryant contends he would have 12 rings if Shaq worked harder

Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant recently went on the record saying he would have a lot more rings if Shaquille O’Neal had a better work ethic.

Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant was notorious for having an outstanding (and perhaps obsessive) work ethic during his 20-year NBA tenure. As a result, his efforts ultimately led to him being a part of five championship teams over the course of his professional career.

While five titles is certainly impressive, the insatiable Bryant recently went on the record saying he should have way more than five rings.

Perhaps to no surprise, The Black Mamba placed a heavy quantity of blame on Shaquille O’Neal in terms of why things are they way they are. According to a report from Adam Wells of Bleacher Report, Bryant argued he would have won “12 f—–g rings” if O’Neal carried a stronger work ethic.

The five-time champion shared his stance on the touchy matter with Patrick Bet-David of Valuetainment. As a matter of fact, Bryant took things to another level and contended Shaq could have been the best player ever if the big fella was a gym rat like Kobe.

Frankly, to hear these remarks from Bryant is not too shocking. The two iconic personalities have exchanged jabs for a long time now and this adds yet another tier to their history.

Granted Bryant’s comments arguably carry a dose of hyperbole, one thing is certain. If Shaq and Kobe did not let their egos essentially overtake the franchise, it is nearly unquestionable that the duo could have won at least a couple more chips.

On that note, it is not impossible to think that Bryant could have passed Michael Jordan as far as the ring count is concerned. Kobe and His Airness are often compared against one another, so there is absolutely, positively no doubt the former would have loved to pass the Bulls legend in this realm.

To add insult to injury, Bryant candidly said something else during the interview that is surely bound to turn some heads. Via Justin Tasch of the New York Post, Bryant consistently tells The Big Aristotle they could have won more titles together if the latter was not “lazy.”

Suffice to say, O’Neal was not too pleased with what Bryant put forth during the correspondence with Bet-David. The former 7-foot-1 center was not shy in countering his old teammate on Instagram and was sure to call out Kobe for being a ball hog in his younger days (shared by NBA Central).

https://twitter.com/TheNBACentral/status/1166703194438852609

To be fair, the four-time champion raises a relevant point in his response to the former shooting guard. Especially in the earlier half of his career, Bryant’s shot selection was questionable from time to time. On the other hand, most of Shaq’s points came off dunks or attempts within just a few feet of the rim.

Given that he was younger during that era as well, it makes sense that Kobe was overly confident in terms of his demeanor. Tasch further detailed this in his piece.

The writer outlined one snippet from the interview that is particularly riveting (and comical for that matter). Apparently, when Kobe was a wee rookie, he was determined to not pass Shaq the rock at one point because the big fella kept bricking his free throws. In spite of Diesel repeatedly telling the kid to pass him the ball, the teenager kept shooting.

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During the interview, Kobe even conceded “ must’ve been out of my damn mind” for having that mindset.

Conversely, The Black Mamba did what he could to defend himself as well. He kept emphasizing that he and O’Neal could have done so much more as a unit if the 7-1 baller had the same level of dedication to basketball Bryant did.

According to Bryant, if Shaq possessed that same drive and determination, there would not have been as many problems between the pair. Given that point, it is rather curious to think what could have been.

Nevertheless, the fantastic duo made it to four NBA Finals as Lakers teammates. They captured the first three of those and, to this very day, remain members of the last team to complete a three-peat. Therefore, one cannot uphold the stance that everything was bad between Kobe and Shaq.

Of course, though, it is always interesting to wonder what could have occurred if the two put aside their differences in their heyday. Additionally, Harrison Faigen of SB Nation believes the two could have won another couple rings if O’Neal was “more fit.”

Faigen goes on to add that Bryant’s prime came not too long after No. 34 got traded to the Miami Heat. Thus, a prime rendition of Kobe accompanied by Shaq in the paint would have been a scary thing for opponents to deal with in the mid-2000s.

While it never hurts to dream, it is safe to say the past cannot be undone. Thankfully, as was said, the dynamic duo helped Los Angeles win back-to-back-to-back championships at the turn of the century.

Largely for that reason, Bryant later compiled a tweet complimenting O’Neal (via Bleacher Report).

The fact that Kobe referred to him as the “most dominant ever” suggests that there is a certain respect the two have for each other. Even though they may not be best pals, they still accomplished something special during their time in a Lakers uniform. Needless to say, the Lakers would not have been the same team without O’Neal anchoring the middle.

At any rate, this remains one of the most classic “what if” scenarios in sports history. If Shaq worked like Kobe did, it is quite possible that Shaq could have arguably been the best to ever grace the hardwood.

That is what seems to get to Kobe’s psyche and eat away at him so much. In having been around Shaq, he knew how gifted the big fella was talent wise (and, surely enough, size wise). Albeit Shaq was beyond the shadow of a doubt “dominant,” there is a chance he could have been the “greatest” period in Kobe’s eyes if extra work was put in.

It is not to say Shaq did not do a lot of great things on the court. His career numbers and accolades speak for themselves. However, because he did not obsess about the game the same way Kobe did, it is one huge factor that led to their feud.

Assuming Shaq for some reason did have that same ravenous zest No. 8/24 did, it is truly frightening to think about the possibilities. Frightening.