Kobe Bryant laughs at Smush Parker, then explains leadership
Smush Parker won't go away.
The former NBA point guard got famous again when Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant, his former teammate, called him "the worst" and said other disparaging things. At that point, we thought Bryant was a mean meanie who said mean things.
Then Parker fired back, and we wondered if he was a bit green with envy because Bryant is good at basketball and stuff.
Now Bryant's retorted to the retort. And we don't know what to think. From the Los Angeles Times:
Bryant couldn't stop laughing Friday when talking about Parker firing back at him.
"I was devastated," Bryant said. "What's he going to do? 'Yeah, Kobe's right?' I gave him his little 30 minutes of fame again. I wish him the best of luck. Maybe he'll get back to the NBA one day and can see what it's like up close again."
UPDATE: Kobe now has sounded off again with a vague Facebook post:
Leadership is responsibility.
There comes a point when one must make a decision. Are YOU willing to do what it takes to push the right buttons to elevate those around you? If the answer is YES, are you willing to push the right buttons even if it means being perceived as the villain? Here's where the true responsibility of being a leader lies. Sometimes you must prioritize the success of the team ahead of how your own image is perceived. The ability to elevate those around you is more than simply sharing the ball or making teammates feel a certain level of comfort. It's pushing them to find their inner beast, even if they end up resenting you for it at the time.
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.
This is my way. It might not be right for YOU but all I can do is share my thoughts. It's on YOU to figure out which leadership style suits you best.
Will check back in with you soon.. Till then
Mamba out
In case you're wondering, Parker was last known to be playing earlier this year in the Dominican Republic.
Oh, and we found a photo by USA TODAY's Robert Hanashiro of Parker and Bryant hugging in 2006. How cute. We will use this photo whenever we write about Smush Parker. Promise.