Shaquille O’Neal On Dealing With Kobe Bryant : “You Don’t Mess With Mad Geniuses…When They Calm Down, They Calm Down.”

Like most NBA players, Kobe Bryant expected the help of talented team-mates to help him realise his goals. The Los Angeles Lakers legend performed his talismanic role at the franchise with immense dedication. The Lakers integrated Kobe’s qualities by bringing in established stars. One such former NBA player spoke about Kobe’s ingenuity.

Former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal revealed some interesting details about Kobe’s mentality. Speaking to TNT on episode 7, season 2 of ‘Shaq Life: Making Music’, O’Neal described both his music producer Brian Bayati and Kobe. He described both Brian and Kobe as geniuses.

O’Neal said, “He’s a mad genius. You don’t mess with mad geniuses, you just let them do what they do. When they calm down, they calm down. I learned that from dealing with Kobe.”

O’Neal partnered Kobe at the Lakers between 1996 to 2004. During this legendary duration of their careers, the duo won three NBA titles in a famed three peat feat. However, the dominating duo parted ways as they had a bitter fallout. It resulted in O’Neal’s departure in 2004 when he departed the Lakers and joined the Miami Heat.

O’Neal began his music career in 1993. His DJ name is ‘DIESEL’. Kobe retired from professional basketball in 2016.

Read More: Shaquille O’Neal Once Misappropriated $250,000 From His Own Car Wash: “I Was Being a Irresponsible Business Owner…I Was Having Too Much Fun”

Kobe Bryant and his mamba mentality

Kobe Bryant often insisted that his hard work and winning drive helped power his successes in the NBA. He created the nickname for himself while attempting to inspire his younger fan base. Kobe said, “I came up with it during one of our tours. Because I put the kids through so many drills and clinics and I just thought to myself ‘mamba mentality.’ ”

He further expounds on his concept of mamba mentality by persuading aspiring NBA players to “embrace as a mindset.” Kobe’s mamba mentality helped him triumph to five NBA titles with the Lakers. It also helped him off the court to build his brand around the slogan/nickname.

Watch this story: Five Times Klay Thompson Proved Hes Not Just Stephen Currys Second in Command