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Part 3: Smush Parker: I Wouldn't Compare Kobe to Jordan, MJ Motivated His Teammates to Be Better
Part 1: Smush Parker on Being on Pistons During Malice at the Palace, Ben Wallace Issues w/ Artest
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Former Los Angeles Laker Smush Parker opened up about his time playing alongside Kobe Bryant. Parker, initially signed to the Laker's practice squad, endured uncertainty regarding his position on the team as no one told him whether he'd made the final roster. Despite this, he turned up for training, bringing a "worker's mentality" to the court. He later discovered he'd be starting a game mere minutes before it began. Even as he started 162 consecutive games and averaged 11.5 points, the lack of a guaranteed contract kept him on edge. Playing alongside a legend like Bryant wasn't appreciated as much as it would be now, Parker revealed. His frustration over missed shots during the infamous game where Bryant scored 81 points was also shared, lamenting that he could have scored 20-22 points instead of 13. He also reflects on Kobe's statement towards him, where the late NBA great told him, "You can't talk to me. You need more accolades under your belt before you come talk to me."
