'Kobe Bryant Was the Sidekick' – Former NBA Star Argues Lakers Legend’s Role in Some Championship Teams

The following year, Bryant improved and averaged 24.6 points, 7.8 rebounds and 5.8 assists through five games in the Finals against the Philadelphia 76ers. The Lakers big man, had 33.0 points, 15.8 rebounds and 4.8 assists.

That was followed by their Finals appearance in 2002 against the New Jersey Nets. Bryant had 26.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 5.3 assists. O’Neal continued his dominance as he led the Lakers to a 4-0 sweet against the Nets with his 36.3 points, 12.3 rebounds and 2.8 blocks.

In those three Finals appearances, O’Neal was awarded the Finals MVP for his dominance. Bryant, on the other hand, would win his first Finals MVP award in 2009, after he led the team past the Orlando Magic. He’d win another award the following year after beating the Boston Celtics.

Gilbert Arenas’ hot take on Kobe Bryant

On Wednesday’s episode of “Gil’s Arena,” the former NBA star explained how he thinks Kobe Bryant was a sidekick during the time he played with O’Neal.

“I said something that irritated the s**t out of Kobe fans, even though I’m a Kobe fan,” Arenas said. “When I said three of his championships, he was a sidekick and everybody’s like, ‘Oh, he was never a sidekick!’”

“He was only 21, 22 and 23. Those championships, Shaq was the dominant force. So those three championships that he got, he wasn’t the lead dog yet.”

Arenas went on to say that Bryant had more of a Robin-type of role alongside Shaq.

“We know who Robin is in this instance. His five rings, there’s still Robin rings.”

Bryant redeemed himself when he led the Lakers to a back-to-back title win.