Kobe Bryant is one of the most prominent figures in the illustrious history of the Los Angeles Lakers. He spent his entire 20-season career with the Lakers and became synonymous with the franchise, winning five NBA championships and numerous accolades, including two Finals MVP awards.
Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas made a notable appearance on First Take, where he delved into various pressing topics concerning the league. In a lively segment centred around LeBron James, both Tracy McGrady and Arenas didn’t hold back, sharing some audacious opinions about Bryant that are sure to spark debates among fans and analysts alike.
Tracy McGrady: “I was as good as Kobe, but I was never put in the position to win like he was.”
Gilbert Arenas: “Kobe was the next Scottie Pippen. Everyone saw him as a sidekick.”
Tracy McGrady: “I was as good as Kobe but I was never put in the position to win like he was.”
— Olympic Bean (@olympicbean) June 21, 2025
Gilbert Arenas: “Kobe was the next Scottie Pippen. Everyone saw him as a sidekick.”
Both of these ludicrous left field statements came during a segment about LEBRON @FirstTake… pic.twitter.com/Y2EL6mqcFl
During the discussion, both Arenas and McGrady explored the rings culture in the NBA. Arenas pointed out that players who are considered the second option on their team often do not receive the same level of respect for their titles.
Fans’ Reactions Emerge After McGrady And Arenas’ Comments On Kobe Bryant
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When McGrady and Arenas’ audacious statement made its way to X (previously known as Twitter), fans jumped into action, flooding the comment section with their thoughts. The NBA fandom was left scratching their heads in disbelief at Arenas’ daring perspective on Bryant.
One fan said, “Would they say these things if Kobe was still alive?”
Would they say these things if Kobe was still alive?
— Dred Foxx 🇩🇴 (@djdredfoxx) June 21, 2025
Meanwhile, another fan said, “Nah, TMac said nothing wrong. Kobe admitted it several times.”
Nah, TMac said nothing wrong. Kobe admitted it several times.
— Getúlio | أرسطي (@GonzalezGetulio) June 21, 2025
Another fan said, “The disrespect for Kobe got to stop…. Right now. How dare you.”
The disrespect for Kobe got to stop…. Right now. How dare you
— xgoldenx3 (@xGoldenX0) June 21, 2025
A sports enthusiast mentioned, “No surprise when losers talk they try to bring down winners.”
No surprise when losers talk they try to bring down winners.
— Sports Fluent (@sports_fluent) June 21, 2025
Another fan commented, “Arenas keeps getting more and more disrespectful about Kobe as time goes on. You wanted to be that nigga bro, it’s cool.”
Arenas keeps getting more and more disrespectful about Kobe as time goes on. You wanted to be that nigga bro, it’s cool.
— ᴅɪᴍᴇᴡᴏʀᴋ🧪🥼 (@BeLiKeDime) June 21, 2025
Another fan mentioned, “Lmao ridiculous.”
Lmao ridiculous
— Beauski (@_beauski) June 21, 2025
Bryant stands as a monumental figure in the history of the NBA. Assertions about his legacy are bound to spark intense discussions within the basketball community.
Also Read: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Reveals Deep Admiration For Kobe Bryant With Strong Message
