Former NBA player Gilbert Arenas recently started a debate about Kobe Bryant’s role in the Los Angeles Lakers championships from 1999 to 2002. On his show, Gil’s Arena, Arenas claimed that during those early titles, Kobe was more of a “sidekick” to Shaquille O’Neal. He pointed out that Kobe was only 21, 22, and 23 years old at that time, while Shaq was the dominant player leading the team.
Arenas also suggested that Kobe’s contributions were often overshadowed by Shaq’s huge impact in those championship seasons.
“I said something that irritated the sh*t out of Kobe fans even though I’m a Kobe fan. When I said three of his championships, he was the sidekick. Everyone’s like, ‘he was never a sidekick!’ He was only 21, 22 and 23. Those championships, Shaq was the dominant force,” Arenas argued on his podcast.
"3 of his championships [Kobe] was the sidekick… Shaq was the dominant force."
— Gilbert Arenas (@GilsArenaShow) December 18, 2024
Is Gil trippin' for saying Kobe was Robin to Shaq's Batman during the Lakers dynasty 🤔 pic.twitter.com/nhCkdJRClE
However, it was not the first time the former NBA star called out The Mamba for his contribution to the game. He had done the same thing earlier this month. He had questioned Kobe Bryant’s status as one of the ‘coldest killers’ in NBA history. Arenas argued that since Kobe won three of his five championships as a second option to Shaquille O’Neal, he should not be included in conversations. According to him, the discussion favored players who were the definitive leaders of their teams throughout their championship runs.
Arenas’ comments have sparked strong reactions, especially from Kobe’s fans, who view him as one of the greatest players ever. Calling Kobe a “sidekick” may seem unfair to some, as it downplays his talent and effort. While Shaq’s dominance helped the team win, it allowed Kobe to grow and eventually become a leader in his own right.
Also Read: Gilbert Arenas Perfectly Explains Why Bronny James Is Not Able To Fit In The NBA
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Internet Rips Into Gilbert Arenas For His ‘Sidekick’ Remarks
While most of the time the former point guard speaks his mind, this time, he was met with fans’ strong reactions. Gilbert Arenas was taking reference from the Batman story where Robin, the iconic sidekick to Batman, becomes Batman’s dedicated partner in crime-fighting. He referred to Kobe in the same manner. However, his words didn’t age well.
“You can’t be the sidekick when you’re the closer in 4th quarters on a championship team. Shaq wasn’t the best player in game 7 WCF 2000. Kobe led them through the west in 01. The East was the easy work. It was more Batman & Superman,” a fan wrote.
you can’t be the sidekick when you’re the closer in 4th quarters on a championship team. Shaq wasn’t the best player game 7 WCF 2000. Kobe led them through the west in 01. The East was the easy work. It was more Batman & Superman.
— q belafonte (@BelafonteQ) December 18, 2024
you can’t be the sidekick when you’re the closer in 4th quarters on a championship team. Shaq wasn’t the best player game 7 WCF 2000. Kobe led them through the west in 01. The East was the easy work. It was more Batman & Superman.
— q belafonte (@BelafonteQ) December 18, 2024
“Yeah, Kobe as the “sidekick”,” another fan added sharing Kobe’s stats.
Yeah, Kobe as the “sidekick”: pic.twitter.com/EjuiB0nIbM
— Ryan DePaul (@RyanDePaul) December 18, 2024
Yeah, Kobe as the “sidekick”: pic.twitter.com/EjuiB0nIbM
— Ryan DePaul (@RyanDePaul) December 18, 2024
“Kobe saved shaqs legacy more times than any star has saved another star in nba history lmao,” a fan commented.
Kobe saved shaqs legacy more times than any star has saved another star in nba history lmao pic.twitter.com/UVxpLHmZig
— DOA (@RLOsteppa) December 18, 2024
Kobe saved shaqs legacy more times than any star has saved another star in nba history lmao pic.twitter.com/UVxpLHmZig
— DOA (@RLOsteppa) December 18, 2024
“Kobe was sidekick up until Shaq fouled out against the Pacers. Kobe took over, and that was his I’ve arrived moment. From then on, they were equals. Especially rings two and three,” another user added.
Kobe was sidekick up until Shaq fouled out against the Pacers. Kobe took over, and that was his I’ve arrived moment. From then on, they were equals. Especially rings two and three.
— Lewis Pike (@LewisPike_) December 18, 2024
Kobe was sidekick up until Shaq fouled out against the Pacers. Kobe took over, and that was his I’ve arrived moment. From then on, they were equals. Especially rings two and three.
— Lewis Pike (@LewisPike_) December 18, 2024
“Nahhhh Mike and Pippen ain’t the same as Shaq and Kobe. Mike and Pippen were a true Batman and Robin. Shaq & Kobe were more like Batman and Superman,” wrote one fan.
Nahhhh Mike and Pippen ain’t the same as Shaq and Kobe.
— HBCU Nightly (@HBCUNightly) December 18, 2024
Mike and Pippen were a true Batman and Robin.
Shaq & Kobe were more like Batman and Superman.
Nahhhh Mike and Pippen ain’t the same as Shaq and Kobe.
— HBCU Nightly (@HBCUNightly) December 18, 2024
Mike and Pippen were a true Batman and Robin.
Shaq & Kobe were more like Batman and Superman.
“Ask Shaq. Even he knew Kobe carried. Much tougher matchups for him & still balled on both sides of ball. & Shaq admitted this before Kobe passed,” a fan suggested.
Ask Shaq. Even he knew Kobe carried. Much tougher matchups for him & still balled on both sides of ball. & Shaq admitted this before Kobe passed.
— King Money 👑 (@kiingmoney1) December 18, 2024
Ask Shaq. Even he knew Kobe carried. Much tougher matchups for him & still balled on both sides of ball. & Shaq admitted this before Kobe passed.
— King Money 👑 (@kiingmoney1) December 18, 2024
“Yes he is… it wasn’t Batman and Robin… it was Superman & Batman… Gil just engagement farming,” another fan agreed.
Ask Shaq. Even he knew Kobe carried. Much tougher matchups for him & still balled on both sides of ball. & Shaq admitted this before Kobe passed.
— King Money 👑 (@kiingmoney1) December 18, 2024
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“I mean having a dominant big does change a lot of things. But they complimented each other very well. Teams probably game planned for Shaq more,” another comment read.
I mean having a dominant big does change a lot of things. But they complimented each other very well. Teams probably game planned for shaq more
— Elijah 🤲🏽 (@ElijahColeman21) December 18, 2024
I mean having a dominant big does change a lot of things. But they complimented each other very well. Teams probably game planned for shaq more
— Elijah 🤲🏽 (@ElijahColeman21) December 18, 2024
Although, Gilbert Arenas’ comments do not hold much ground. Bryant and O’Neal both had a tremendous impact during the Los Angeles Lakers championship runs from 1999 to 2002. Kobe was known for his fearless play and ability to take clutch shots, especially in high-pressure situations.
Also, Shaq’s dominant presence cannot be overlooked. O’Neal won the NBA Finals MVP in all three championship seasons and averaged an impressive 30.7 points and 15.4 rebounds in the 1999-2000 playoffs, showcasing his ability to control the game.
As the years went on, both players developed their roles further. In the 2000-2001 playoffs, Kobe stepped up his game, averaging 29.4 points per game, while Shaq still contributed significantly with 30.4 points. By the 2001-2002 postseason, Shaq averaged 28.5 points and Bryant 26.6 points, showing that both were key to the team’s success. While Arenas’ comments about Kobe being a “sidekick” might resonate with some, it’s clear that in the later playoffs, both players were leading the way together.
