He was the alpha Laker, and part of the accompanying persona was an intense, self-prescribed seclusion from matters that did not directly contribute to winning. His friendships were born out of respect and intensity.
“If you cannot help him win,” trainer Gary Vitti said, “then he doesn’t waste his time developing a relationship with you. It’s that simple. He’s not looking for friends.”
Pau Gasol became the rare player who bridged those two islands.
The Lakers were 29-16 and in first place in 2008 when the Lakers pulled off the trade that finally gave Bryant the big man complement he had missed since Shaquille O’Neal was driven out of town.