Nevertheless, the unearthing of Kobe’s mentality as a leader of a 2006 Laker squad serves as fascinating basketball psychology.
Six years prior, Kobe had to carry a Lakers squad full of middling talent, including Parker. It was a change of scenery for “Bean” Bryant, who had only known of basketball life without Shaq down low for a short time.
Assuming the full-on leadership role, Bryant thought leading by example through his work ethic would provide the best influence.
Parker recalls Bryant handled teammate interaction differently. He cited Bryant was reclusive in a team setting, talking only to his security guards and sitting in the back of team planes. Individually, Parker remembers Bryant telling him that he couldn’t talk to him because of his lack of accolades.
Leading by accolades. That’s a new leadership technique.
Famed basketball columnist Jack McCallum added astutely:
What? Kobe was aloof and dismissive? To inferior players? To steal from Casablanca: "I'm shocked. SHOCKED!" bit.ly/RLlr1Z
— Jack McCallum (@McCallum12) October 15, 2012 Kobe's methods certainly have credence, considering we all know he’s won two more championships as the Lakers' alpha male. The question becomes: does being a leader require being a good teammate in the job description?
Bryant opened up a bit with an abstract-filled Facebook post that shed light on his view (you can read the entire post here):
I'd rather be perceived as a winner than a good teammate. I wish they both went hand in hand all the time but that's just not reality. I have nothing in common with lazy people who blame others for their lack of success. Great things come from hard work and perseverance. No excuses.
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Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
