Both of them were. How in the world can that happen you ask? Well here it goes.
Here’s the soft shoe of what was probably told in the media. The Lakers at the seventh seed had no business taking the second seed Phoenix Suns to seven games. The Lakers gave a gallant effort but simply ran out of gas. They had already trailed 60-45 at halftime, and then-head coach Phil Jackson supported Bryant, saying that the superstar was simply following his game plan.
Why Charles Barkley was right
Man, please. Three shots? Kobe Bryant? He could have done that just getting out bed in the morning. Charles Barkley was right. Bryant let go of the rope. Argue if you want, but that year averaging the highest point total at the time since Jordan’s 37.1 points in 86-87 exposed Bryant because he was such a dominant scorer at the time. He was at the top of the list and it wasn’t even close.
Why Kobe Bryant was right!
This was simply Kobe Bryant playing chess while everyone else was playing checkers. He knew that the front office was probably cool with making the playoffs. He wasn’t. Shaq just won a title that year and the pressure of winning a title without O’Neal was everything to him.
Bryant basically forced the front office to get him some help, something that might have not happened if the Lakers had upset the Suns that year.
But they obviously got over things rather quickly.
So this is Lake Show Life’s historical look back at history. Bryant went on to be a five-time NBA champion over his 20-season career with the Lakers, apparently didn’t hold any anger or resentment over that incident. Good thing he doesn’t carry that Jordan characteristic.
In fact, Barkley said that moment became an inside joke for them.
The Lake Show Life staff would like to extend a Happy Father’s Day to all the Fathers out there (Especially mine, Walter Agers! Happy Father’s Day Pops!).
Also, the staff would like to send prayers and well wishes to Ms. Vanessa Bryant and Kobe’s daughters, Capri (Just turned one, Happy Birthday!), Bianca and Natalia. This is their first Father’s Day without Kobe and Gianna and they have to deal with another reminder of their tragic loss. Please do the same.