Shaq actually has something good to say about Kobe. A shock right? That may be a stretch because since Shaq has left the league and took up broadcasting on TNT and NBATV, he pretty much has good things to say about the Black Mamba–unless the discussion is surrounding the old days of the duo. However, in a recent interview, Shaq, like the rest of us, says Kobe should continue playing after his final contract year with the Lakers.
Kobe will be the highest paid NBA player in this upcoming season and it is only fitting. Kobe, the vet, has put in his work over in almost two decades in the league and earned his right to be on the “Mount Rushmore” of NBA greats. Some criticized Kobe for taking the payday because the Lakers ultimately went downward following his contract agreement. Personally, as a Laker Hater, I thought they were losing quality anyway.
Kobe will be going into his 19th season in the league and unfortunately, the odds are definitely stacked against the Lakers in making it to the playoffs once again. The last time Kobe sniffed the playoffs was back in the 2012-13 season. Phil Jackson has hinted at the possibility of Kobe joining Carmelo in New York so maybe Shaq is on to something. Shaq on Kobe, “If you still got something, you should go because once it’s done you can’t get it back. If I hadn’t got hurt I would have went on and played my last season and break Wilt Chamberlain’s scoring record,” and he makes a valid point.
Some are wondering if Kobe is tarnishing his legacy by continuing to play and battling through injury but how can a few years of injury plague overshadow the greatness that Kobe accomplished throughout his entire career? It just makes no sense to me. I did say I am a Laker Hater, however, as a fan of great basketball, you never want to see a legend leave the game especially when you know he has a lot left in the tank!
