Smush Parker revealed a significant aspect of the Mamba Mentality that he found challenging while playing alongside Kobe Bryant on the Los Angeles Lakers. Speaking on the Pablo Torre Finds Out podcast, Parker disclosed that despite being starters with adjacent lockers, he and Bryant did not speak for two seasons. Parker expressed frustration at the lack of communication, highlighting that they were co-workers who shared a cubicle side-by-side.
Recounting an attempt to discuss a football game with Bryant, Parker remembered being dismissed, with Bryant stating, "You can't talk to me; you need more accolades under your belt." This incident set the tone, leading to no further communication for two years, even though Parker was the starting point guard. Bryant's subsequent remarks about Parker in a 2012 interview were seen as retaliation, and Parker believes the communication issues contributed to challenges within the Lakers team.
