Tracy McGrady recently sparked debate by suggesting he would have captured three NBA championships alongside Shaquille O’Neal if he had taken Kobe Bryant’s place. His remarks drew fire from an ex-Lakers center, who slammed McGrady’s stance and labeled him “soft.”

Despite criticism labeling Kobe Bryant as selfish, fellow Los Angeles Lakers legend Byron Scott contested this perception and insisted that Bryant’s fierce mindset stemmed from his desire to win. The late NBA star, venerated for his “Mamba Mentality,” remains a polarizing figure to some, but his greatest defenders believe his focus was always on victory.