Friday, June 18th, 2010 at 9:00 am  |  198 responses

Kobe Bryant: ‘I Just Got One More Than Shaq’

by Marcel Mutoni / @marcel_mutoni

Throughout the entire NBA Finals, Kobe Bryant refused to acknowledge the enormity of the moment. What it would mean for him and his franchise to avenge their loss to the Celtics in the ’08 title round, what the victory would do for his own legacy.

After clinching the championship last night, Kobe finally came clean about his true feelings.

Bryant admitted that beating Boston for the ‘chip meant the world to him, and that getting his 5th title was especially sweet considering that his old nemesis, Shaquille O’Neal, only has 4.

I jotted down the quotes from the back-to-back NBA Finals MVP:

About the rivalry with the Celtics: “I was just lying to you guys. When you’re in the moment you have to suppress that because if you get caught up in the hype of it all, you don’t really play your best basketball. But I mean, you guys know what a student I am of the game. I know every series that the Lakers have played in.”

“I mean, I was just a Laker nut and I know every Celtics series, I know every statistic. It meant the world to me as well, but I couldn’t focus on that. I had to focus on playing.”

What this this title meant for him personally: “I just got one more than Shaq!” Bryant said happily. “You can take that to the bank … You guys know how I am. I don’t forget anything.”

Shaq — who told various media outlets that winning another title would make Kobe the greatest Laker ever — was quite gracious following the game, and offered warm congratulations to Bryant via Twitter.

Something tells me, though, that O’Neal will have something less than friendly to say about Kobe openly gloating about surpassing him in the ring count.

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  • Quit hatin

    David robinson (hall of famer) mario ellie.. Avery johnson.. Sean elliot and others were hell of a team players… Parker and ginobli didnt have much to do with it?

    Wade did win it all without almost no
    great player that comes to my
    mind. Yet they played sorry ass mavs. But still never thought of wade. Yeah wade over lebron :) )

  • Sasha

    SUPERIOR FIRE POWER, SUPERIOR INTELLIGENCE, AND THAT’S ALL SHE WROTE.

  • RedRum

    seriously Kobe, seriously????? he is a great player (not MJ though…) I want to like him, but the guy is douche

  • http://slamonline.com tina

    As good as “King” James is he’s just at home like you Philosopher, watching Kobe hoist that finals mvp & larry o’brian trophy. Basketball is 5 man sport who gives a crap who’s the best. Last i heard the best team wins at the end of the season.

  • The Philosopher

    @tina: LONG… LIVE… THE KING!!

  • S_kemp

    yeah, and 7 less than Russell…I have a feeling this is going to go to his head…

  • Exiled Zebra

    Look at my 7 11 pm post

  • Sasha

    While M.J is making bacon neck commercials, Kobe is making history.

  • logues

    hey kobe, maybe if you didnt pull a marbury and want all the attention you guys would still be together and u’d have bout six or seven rings…. “winning is all that matters”… BS kobe

  • http://250aspirin.blogspot.com DJ Leon Smith

    Shaq struck first?! Shaq gave Kobe three rings and in return Kobe ratted him out to the police (one of the dumbest examples of snitching of all-time too, telling the cops that Shaq cheats was never going to get Kobe off the hook). As soon as Kobe does something good he automatically returns to doucheville.

  • Ged23ai

    As a Celtic fan, the c’s put double teams on offensely and still he contribued kb24 is truly a great player, the celtics did miss the services of kendrick perk. not at all bias, lakers stepped up their
    defense & made a 13 pt run, congrats to lakers I thoroughly enjoyed the rivalry and the finals brillant spectacle. I only the celtics can return for another for the chip

  • http://slamonline.com J Dizzle

    I saw what you said zebra. I still think it’s foolish to be discussing. Did that trade really mess with the integrity of the league or make things unfair? The Lakers lost the first year he went there, and still had to fight to win the next two years. I don’t think you would care if it was fair or not if they didn’t win anything with him. No one else is up in arms over it anymore, you’re making a scapegoat out of Stern as an excuse for their championships. Stern did not win titles for them, as you said. One man can’t win titles, even the commissioner.

  • ronnell

    kobe can say whatever he wants remember when shaq got traded kobe would not win anymore rings, wrong now he has more rings than shaq who is now trade bait. time to to make a rap about shaq.

  • Dean S

    I’ve been watching NBA since 1975. MJ is in a class by himself as the greatest winning, clutch player in big games of all times. I saw him hit the championship game winning shot against Utah in 1998. I also saw Magic hit a championship game winning shot against the Celtics in the 80s. Kobe with his five rings has now edged into the top 10, but he’ll never surpass Jordan in overall greatness, and to move into the top five he’s got to get more championships, MVPs and to show killer instinct in the big games.

  • Sasha

    Add to the many contributions to the human race Shaq gave us the movie Kazaam (1996).

  • http://Www.cnnsi.com Darksaber

    This ‘discussion’ is missing out on the comedic appearance of the decade: Kareem Abdul Jabar’s sourpuss face during the trophy acceptance ceremonies. (check cnnsi’s Nba page and laugh till you weep). Damn, dude looks pissed/jealous at the same time: no wonder Sportsguy calls him ‘the big ninny’. Now back to the regular scheduled, time honored Slamonline tradition of Kobe-bashing, MJ-comparing.

  • http://sfdjklf.com Jukai

    Okay, let’s break it down:
    Shooting: Kobe
    Post moves: Jordan
    Slashing: Jordan
    Speed: Jordan
    Leaping ability: Jordan
    Strength: Jordan
    Clutch: Even
    Ball Handling: Even
    Footwork: Kobe
    Hands: Jordan
    Passing: Jordan
    Court Vision: Jordan
    Offensive rebounding: Jordan
    Defensive rebounding: Jordan
    Iso defense: Kobe
    Help Defense: Jordan
    Passing lanes: Jordan
    Controlling Turnovers: Jordan
    Leadership: Jordan
    Seed, please try to argue with me on this. How is everything between Jordan and Kobe a wash?

  • http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:Xai88DrYsAhqiM:http://a.espncdn.com/media/apphoto/b8ad869b-bb74-4ba0-89b5-857787be7ba6.jpg Jackie Moon

    Shooting: Kobe
    Post moves: Kobe
    Slashing: Kobe
    Speed: Kobe
    Leaping ability: Jordan
    Strength: Kobe
    Clutch: Kobe
    Ball Handling: Kobe
    Footwork: Kobe
    Hands: Jordan
    Passing: Kobe
    Court Vision: Kobe
    Offensive rebounding: Kobe
    Defensive rebounding: Kobe
    Iso defense: Kobe
    Help Defense: Kobe
    Passing lanes: Kobe
    Controlling Turnovers: Jordan
    Leadership: Kobe

  • http://thetroyblog.com Teddy-the-Bear

    How can you even break it down like that? Kobe was an athletic freak like Jordan before… They are actually more similar than a lot of you guys would elect to admit. Playing styles, demeanor, everything.

  • http://sfdjklf.com Jukai

    Jackie Moon, I’ve never questioned your knowledge of basketball until now.
    Because, really, some of that is opinion, but some of that is f’ing crazy. Kobe is a better post player despite refusing to take Nate Robinson into the post whenever they matched up? Kobe is a better passer and rebounder despite averaging, both for a career and at his peak seasons, less assists and less rebounds?
    Kobe is better at playing the passing lanes despite Jordan being number two on the all-time steals list, and three for per game?
    Kobe is a better leader? What?!?
    This will officially be the last time I respond to Jackie Moon. Dude’s crazy. I was worried, initially, when Kobe absolutely (and admittedly) cracked in game 7 but still won cause of a strong team and Celtic ineptitude, people would overrate the guy… but this is beyond belief. You and the Seed should be boyfriend and girlfriend.

  • lupe

    Jackie Moon is high as a kite, or a superkick

  • http://Www.lkz.ch Darksaber

    Wow, Juk-Star just broke it down like an abandoned building and owned JM. Then again, the Flint tropicals were before MJ, so what would their owner/marketer/power forward know about Kobe comparisons? Hee hee.

  • http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:Xai88DrYsAhqiM:http://a.espncdn.com/media/apphoto/b8ad869b-bb74-4ba0-89b5-857787be7ba6.jpg Jackie Moon

    Wait, we’re talking about MICHAEL Jordan? I thought we you this was about EDDIE Jordan!

  • http://Www.lkz.ch Darksaber

    Hey here are a few comparisons you forgot guys:
    MJ: Karla Knefel
    KB: umm, you know, the ho..
    MJ: dealt with ‘bad as i wanna be’
    KB: still trying to be badddd
    MJ: slapped Purdue in practice (i think)
    KB: Vanessa does the slapping, thank u
    MJ: Juanita got HALF (shout it like Eddie Murphy)
    KB: 4 million & counting
    ahhh, this is fun. Letting my inner Anton out.

  • Exiled Zebra

    HALF! Shout it like eddie murphy. HALF!

  • http://www.hibachi20.blogspot.com Hursty

    Jackie Moon is having you on Jukai. Besides, everyone knows he’s the greatest basketball player of of all-time.
    PLUS he has a hit single.
    Jordan at 35, after he was “done” is better than Kobe at 31. That’s all I’m gonna say on it. For now.

  • http://www.euroleague.net/competition/all-decade/main-page/i/64902/4259/euroleague-all-decade-selection-theodoros-papaloukas?lang=en&itemid=64902&mid=4259&tabid=1143&itemname=EUROLEAGU PAPALOUKAS (click on my name)

    just did sports nation’s ranking of all time greats on ESPN !!! it’s always funny to rank them !!! interesting thing is that from 65000 voters, 80% percent have MJ as no-1 and the second one in first place votes is Kobe…no wonder so much talk on this comparison. Overall they have MJ, MAGIC, KOBE,JABBAR,RUSSELL,BIRL,WILT. This time(i always change my mind axcept the top-3) i went with MJ,MAGIC,BIRD,HAKEEM,WILT,JABBAR,BRYANT,RUSSELL,OSCAR,WEST,TIM,SHAQ,MOSES. Is it possible for SLAM to do such a thing and see the number of voters (very important, as long as they don’t vote many times) and the preferences? A SLAM nations’ all-timers list would have gone something like this:
    MJ,KOBE,MAGIC,SHAQ,WILT,RUSSELL,OSCAR,IVERSON,JABBAR,TIM,WEST,MOSES,BIRD,HAKEEM.

  • backboard

    papaloukas, i still want to know if you were serious in your 5:18 comment in this thread….

  • http://www.euroleague.net/competition/all-decade/main-page/i/64902/4259/euroleague-all-decade-selection-theodoros-papaloukas?lang=en&itemid=64902&mid=4259&tabid=1143&itemname=EUROLEAGU PAPALOUKAS (click on my name)

    @backboard….: tell about which part.

  • ryan m

    anyone forgetting shaqs rap???? because kobe didn’t…..and kobes an ass for saying what he said?…give me a break

  • http://www.threadsandkicks.com.au Eduardo

    Thought this comment would raise a few issues once Kobe said it. Big Kobe fan even since he was a rookie but showed that there was a big of arrogance behind this ring considering that Shaq led that team to their first 3 titles. Remember they even brought a tactic “Hack a Shaq” because he was so dominant in the game. They even had to force and allow zone defense into the league which wasn’t permitted in the NBA prior to this period just to stop people like Shaq.

    Well if Shaq comes off the bench next year and wins a title. He could always come out and say I’ve tied with Kobe but I’ve still got one more Final’s MVP and I won a title with 3 different teams… but that’s just a dream that Shaq could create until it happens. Shaq shouldn’t be starting if he comes back as he’s not in his prime but effective in limited minutes

    Liked Kobe’s honesty about suppressing his emotions and not allowing the hype effect his concentration. Kobe’s an awesome and inspirational competitor.

  • jumpman3224

    I was looking at Slam’s top 50 from before last year’s championship and here is their top 13.
    1. Jordan 2. Wilt 3. Russel 4. Shaq 5. Oscar Robertson 6. Magic Johnson 7. Kareem Abdul Jabbar 8. Tim Duncan 9. Larry Bird 10. Jerry West 11. Elgin Baylor 12. Kobe Bryant 13. Hakeem Olajuwon
    I’m using that as a guide (and making a few other adjustments) after two more post-seasons and a regular season of NBA play:
    1. Jordan 2. Wilt 3. Russel 4. Kobe 5. Magic 6. Kareem 7. Oscar 8. Shaq 9. Tim Duncan 10. Larry Bird 11. Jerry West 12. Elgin Baylor 13. Hakeem Olajuwon.
    That’s my list at the moment, it’s okay if you don’t agree its subjective. Post yours if you feel inclined. I hope SLAM does a new list soon. I never really know where to rank the Big O. I’ve seen him as high as three. It may not be popular to have Kobe ahead of him, but in the same amount of seasons, Mamba has 4 rings, 1-more ALLNBA selection and 10 more defensive selections (he only played five or so seasons with that as an award).

  • Pingback: Kobe Bryant: ‘I Just Got One More Than Shaq’ – SLAM

  • The Coach

    Now Kobe is ranked as high as #1-#4…unreal. Please study your NBA history before you make such ignorant statements.

    If Kobe was concerned about elevating his game in Game 7 he would not have shot 24 times. The defense numbers came to him. He did not make any extra effort.

  • SKD

    Shooting: Jordan
    Post moves: Jordan
    Slashing: Jordan
    Speed: Jordan
    Leaping ability: Jordan
    Strength: Jordan
    Clutch: Jordan
    Ball Handling: Even
    Footwork: Jordan
    Hands: Jordan
    Passing: Jordan
    Court Vision: Jordan
    Offensive rebounding: Jordan
    Defensive rebounding: Jordan
    Iso defense: JORDAN
    Help Defense: Jordan
    Passing lanes: Jordan
    Controlling Turnovers: Jordan
    Leadership: Jordan
    Seed, please try to argue with me on this. How is everything between Jordan and Kobe a wash?

    People, how can you say Kobe is a better shooter than Jordan? Part of shooting is decision making. Kobe has never broken 47% for a whole season. Jordan lived above 50%, just like every other great player. Kobe isnt anything but a gunner who lucked into playing with 5 or 6 hall of famers and the greatest coach of all time. Im old enough to have seen Jordan play. I remember when Mamba came into the league. Never was even as good an all around player as Tracy McGrady. Just had sh*t loads of help. Great players dont win titles, well balanced teams do. Kobe isnt any better of a player now than he was when he was going for 81 with a team that couldnt get out the first round. The difference is Pau and all the other great players they have now. Kobe is actually probably worse.

  • SKD

    Oh and ball handling should be Jordan too.
    The size of that nukkas hands alone.

  • jumpman3224

    @The Coach – Most people have Magic top 5 all-time and now the debate between he and Kobe is completely subjective. Some people would never put Mamba ahead of him, some do (like ESPN’s Chris Broussard).
    @SKD – That is completely ignorant. Give Kobe his due. Pau wasn’t making the HOF until he teamed with Kobe and the only other HOFer he won a title with was Shaq. So, IDK how you get 5-6.

  • truthteller

    The Coach: Are you saying this a hater or as someone who thinks he knows something about basketball?

  • The Philosopher

    Magic is the greatest of all times.

  • jumpman3224

    @The Philosopher: I respect your opinion and have a question for you on this Magic/Kobe debate. There are some media members who have gone on the record as saying that no matter what Kobe does for the remainder of his career, Magic will always be the greatest Laker. You being someone who currently has Magic over Kobe, do you concede that Kobe could ever be considered the greatest Laker, after possibly breaking the scoring record and winning more titles?

  • The Philosopher

    @jumpman3224: First of all brethren, I appreciate the compliment, and I respect your opinions as well, for you are very knowledgeable AND you make valid and interesting points.
    Now, as far as your question, I believe that Magic is the best player to ever play in the NBA. I wish he could have played five more years.

  • jumpman3224

    @Philosopher: Thanks! Yea, would have loved to see him have a bit of a longer career too. I just started reading “When the Game” was ours about Magic/Bird. It’s a really good read so far.

  • The Philosopher

    Now, when I consider who’s better than who, I tend to look at the brand of basketball that one brings. I look at the skill set, the uniqueness of the skill set of players. Accolades, statistical accomplishments, and championships are indicative of how a player can be judged, for numbers don’t lie, but the numbers do not paint the entire picture. Now, Magic Johnson’s skill set is among the most unique ever seen, for there has never been anything seen like that before… or since. Not even LeBron. (even though there are similarities) So that being said, no, I don’t believe that Kobe is, or will be, the greatest Laker. I think it would have happened for Kobe by now if it were to happen.

  • jumpman3224

    I guess we disagree in semantics. I think “best” and “greatest” are two different things. To me, best is what you laid out as a player’s skill set and ability. And, great is the sum of the player’s career in terms of accomplishments. Using those definitions, no matter if you think Kobe will never be better than Magic, I believe it is stubborn to say that he will never have a greater career, as he has time to build on his already comparable resume. I will say though for best, that yes Magic’s offensive game was completely unique, but in terms of overall skill I believe Kobe has a large advantage over Magic defensively and an advantage as a scorer. I guess that’s why there is so much debate. Maybe Magic said it best, when he wouldn’t go on record as Kobe being ahead of him, but they will be the only two with statues in LA. Honestly though, just being in the coversation for top two all-time as a Laker illustrates that at 31 years old Kobe is in the NBA’s top 10 ever.

  • The Philosopher

    Again, interesting points, for Kobe may in fact, end up with the greater career than Magic, depending on how one judges and defines his career. Even then he has still a little ways to go, but it is not impossible. He is still young enough, he’s still generally in good health. He is declining physically, but he’s adjusting adequately, so, we shall see.

  • http://yahoo comers75

    i can’t believe people playin the hatin card or the jealous card everytime someone states facts to the contrary that kobe is the the greatest player ever i’m a laker fan myself and as much as i wish for that i know that can never happen despite what the media blathers about i actually saw mj play hated him for destroying the lakers dynasty but gained respect for dude cause he always brought it the bigger the game the more he brought it that game 7 kobe had in all honesty mj never had a game that bad in his career not even practice to sum it up kobe will never be as great as mj maybe team stats such as ring count but individual stats wise mj is shockingly superior to kobe sadly young people don’t bother to do research before they make stupid comments.

  • http://yahoo comers75

    yes they beat the kings it’s been almost 10 years so even being a laker fan i have the stones to admit that second chip was the result of some blatantly bad officiating in favor of la they absolutely lives on the stripe while sacramento suffered through heavy contact with no fouls called kinada like game 7 lol i see debates about kobe’s performance in that game what about artest and gasol carrying the team the entire 4th quarter what about fisher? and why do people try to discredit shaq when those of us that watched him actually play back then knew he was a nearly unstoppable monster that made dwight howard look like a little girl. so much so that he demended triple teams as he would just dunk over double teams who do you think that benefited im not a hater i’m actually a laker fan but i aint no stinking homer that tries to make every excuse for my favorite team and player dude stunk in a way mj never had end of story

  • http://yahoo comers75

    yes they beat the kings it’s been almost 10 years so even being a laker fan i have the stones to admit that second chip was the result of some blatantly bad officiating in favor of la they absolutely lives on the stripe while sacramento suffered through heavy contact with no fouls called kinada like game 7 lol i see debates about kobe’s performance in that game what about artest and gasol carrying the team the entire 4th quarter what about fisher? and why do people try to discredit shaq when those of us that watched him actually play back then knew he was a nearly unstoppable monster that made dwight howard look like a little girl. so much so that he demended triple teams as he would just dunk over double teams who do you think that benefited im not a hater i’m actually a laker fan but i aint no stinking homer that tries to make every excuse for my favorite team and player dude stung in a way mj never had end of story

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