Kobe Bryant is a player who put winning over anything. He would do anything and everything for a victory. The player had set high standards for himself. His “Job’s not finished” quote remains famous, which is a perfect example of his mentality. He had said this even when he was 2-0 up in the Finals of 2009. Although his team had gone ahead to win the finals, his mentality in between the series still amazes everyone.

He was determined to win and would do anything to achieve that. There are many stories of Bryant going out of the way for a victory. However, there was one incident that stood out in 2013.

Kobe Bryant misses Shaquille O’Neal’s jersey retirement

Kobe Bryant had missed Shaquille O’Neal’s jersey retirement because he was busy trying to win. When asked later why he missed the retirement ceremony, Bryant told them that the game was too important for the team and he couldn’t risk it.

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He had to stretch in his locker room and be ready for the second half. When repeatedly asked the same question, Kobe Bryant shut them up with only a seven-word response. He said, “I didn?t want to go out there.”

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He also said that reporters could twist his words in any way that they wanted.

Going back in time to 2013, the Lakers were struggling to make the Playoffs. They were at the 9th seed and facing the Dallas Mavericks, who were the 10th seed then. The playoff situation was gonna go down to the wire. This was known to everyone.

It was a must-win game for both teams to keep their season hopes alive. During this crucial game, the retirement of Shaq’s jersey was scheduled. It was an emotional moment for everyone in the Staples center. With a full attendance in the stadium, surprisingly so, O’Neal’s good friend and ex-teammate, Kobe Bryant, was missing. This came as a surprise to many.

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What do you think about Bryant’s response? Let us know in the comments below.