On his show, Gil’s Arena, former NBA player Gilbert Arenas caused a stir when he called Kobe Bryant a “sidekick” to Shaquille O’Neal while they were teammates at the Los Angeles Lakers. Arenas is himself a Bryant fan, but was adamant that the late Lakers star was subordinate to O’Neal throughout their early 2000s championship runs.
Arenas used the Chicago Bulls’ Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen as examples to support his claim that every successful team has a distinct “lead dog” and “sidekick” dynamic. He underlined that Bryant’s success was partly a result of his ability to balance off O’Neal’s overwhelming play, and that O’Neal was the Lakers’ undeniable captain throughout their championship years.
He was only 21, 22, and 23, those championships shaq was the dominant force, those three championship that he got, he wasn’t the lead dog yet.
Gilbert Arenas said
“3 of his championships [Kobe] was the sidekick… Shaq was the dominant force.”
Is Gil trippin’ for saying Kobe was Robin to Shaq’s Batman during the Lakers dynasty 🤔 pic.twitter.com/nhCkdJRClE
— Gilbert Arenas (@GilsArenaShow) December 18, 2024
Arenas’ statements were meant to emphasize the mutually beneficial relationship between the two NBA greats, not to downplay Kobe Bryant‘s accomplishments. He pointed out that Bryant found it difficult to duplicate the Lakers’ championship success when O’Neal left. The Lakers weren’t able to win consecutive titles until Bryant partnered with Pau Gasol.
Gilbert Arenas shares his honest opinion on Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets
With his amazing abilities, Nikola Jokic is reinventing the center position. He has won three MVP awards and amassed 140 triple-doubles, which is the third-most in NBA history. But according to “Agent Zero,” Gilbert Arenas, Jokic’s domination might have both positive and negative effects on the Denver Nuggets. Arenas believes that Jokic’s quest for triple-doubles every night may be revealing his team’s shortcomings.
What Denver was doing, just didn’t look, they don’t look good anymore.
Gilbert Arenas said
What’s wrong with Jokic and the Denver Nuggets?! 🤔 pic.twitter.com/jjXR62TMjt
— Gilbert Arenas (@GilsArenaShow) December 18, 2024
According to Arenas, Jokic’s possession of the ball is keeping his teammates from developing their rhythm and self-assurance. After going through a slump, some Nuggets players find it difficult to bounce back to their shooting ways with few touches. As a result, the team’s chances of winning another championship with its existing core may be in jeopardy.
Jokic averages 30.9 points, 9.9 assists, and 11.5 rebounds per game, which is an impressive individual stats, but the Nuggets’ meager 14-10 record has caused some anxiety. A more balanced strategy could be required for the Nuggets to win a championship, according to Arenas, who believes that Jokic’s overwhelming ball dominance may be the main reason for the team’s poor play.
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