Dennis Rodman, who Was Tired of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal’s “B*tching”, Once Lead an Abuse Laced Bashing about the 20 Year Old Lakers Star

Dennis Rodman made his name in the NBA with a reputation. In the late 80s, he was a part of the arguably the most physical NBA team in history. “The Bad Boys” Pistons were known for their rough play and Dennis was a real “bad boy” among them. Moreover, he was known for his rebounding. Many would make a case for him to be the best rebounder the NBA has ever seen. He went from winning two NBA titles with Isiah Thomas and Bill Laimbeer, to winning a three-peat in the Bulls with Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. But it did not work out for him when he played with another iconic duo of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal.

Dennis Rodman played one season with the Lakers when the team was in transition. After winn three back to back NBA championships, Rodman was looking towards retirement and finishing his career. Whereas Lakers were looking towards building the team around Shaq and Kobe. It just seemed like Rodman had completed his ambitions and was not on the same wavelength with Shaq and Kobe at all.

Things got worse pretty quickly. It was no more about just being on the same team and playing, it moved to public criticism rapidly. The relationship really took a dent when Dennis Rodman included Kobe while singing and grooving to a jazz night in a hotel. In between the song, he said, “I would love one thing. Kobe Bryant, he’s the sh*t, right? Is he the sh*t? I think one thing, f*** him!”

WATCH THIS STORY: 10 things Dennis Rodman can’t live without.

Rodman only started 11 games for the Lakers while playing only a total of 23 games in the 1998-99 season. The rift was clear and public, making his move away from the Lakers imminent.

Dennis Rodman’s beef with Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal

It was not just Kobe that Dennis had a problem with. Shaq was also among the things he didn’t like in the team. Moreover, he once revealed that he did not like the way the Lakers worked at all.

“I couldn’t hear that sh*t every day. Every they b*tching and complaining. They just b*tching about everything. I’m not used to this,” Rodman said, “In Chicago we never did this shit. If we got mad we got mad at ourselves“.

Apparently Dennis did not like the whole attitude of the dressing room and the culture of the team. Kobe Bryant, 20, in his third season and Shaquille O’Neal, 26, in his seventh were the front runners. 

READ MORE: Dennis Rodman on Playing With Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal: “I Couldn’t Hear That Sh*t. Everyday They Were B*tching and Complaining”

However, things did change for the better for the Lakers as they went on to win the three peat under the leadership of the same coach, Rodman won his three peat with Michael Jordan, Phil Jackson. However, this time around there was no place for him on the team and it all made sense.