Predictably, Malones reflective mood after Shirleys death wasnt the only factor in his leaving. The 2003-04 season was a turbulent one in L.A., defined by Kobe Bryants occasional absences to deal with his legal issues tied to an assault charge in Colorado. (Bryant missed 17 games.) And it eventually came to light that there were problems between Malone and Bryant involving Kobes wife, Vanessa. (She is now his ex-wife.) It is an impossibly complicated story and I have to be honest: I have no idea who to believe. (I direct you to this link (es.pn/Medb9x) if you want to read more.) But it was part and parcel to the drama of the season.
When nobody cared what was written or said, that season with the Lakers was the most fun I ever had playing in the NBA, said Malone. It even came close to the Dream Team experience. When we were good, we were great. Watching the way Shaq and Kobe played together was something else. (Note: The Lakers won 10 in a row early and 11 in a row late.]
And then it was like somebody threw in a little string. Okay, lets tell something that Shaq said about Kobe. Okay, today, lets go get Kobe. What did he say about Shaq? You could always use one against the other. And I always said that when it became a job instead of a passion, it was time to go.
Malone also brought up another anecdote that factored in his decision to retire. I found it surprising.
Were playing San Antonio in the playoffs. [The Lakers eliminated the Spurs in six games in the Western semis.] Theyre fouling the hell out of me and Im talking to the referee, Bernie Fryar, about it. Now, here I am, 40 years old. Done what I did in the league. And you know what he says to me? Just shut up and play.
Man, that bothered me a lot. To say that to another person? A veteran? That stuck in my mind. I knew it was time to go, and I loved how I did it. I just retired and went on with life.
), but Harden explicitly tries to trick them.
