Smush Parker: Playing with Kobe was Overrated, Playing with Shaq was Great

If ever there was an NBA player that embodied the term “knucklehead,” Smush Parker would be it. The guy was pretty much a joke of a player, especially for one who started at point guard in back-to-back seasons for the Lakers a few years ago, getting around 30 minutes per game. He tried a rapping career off the court which busted, and he’s been known to have serious struggles with valet from time-to-time. That’s why we take what he says with a grain of salt, including his remarks on this MSG program. Skip to the 40 second mark for the juicy stuff. (transcription below in case you can’t watch it)

Now just because he’s a bad player who’s currently unemployed doesn’t mean what he said wasn’t true. It probably is how he feels considering he was complimentary about Phil Jackson. The transcription of his remarks is below, and thanks to FanHouse for the video.

“Playing for the Lakers was an overrated experience. Phil Jackson was great. I don’t care what the media says, they said I had a problem with Phil Jackson. The problem was never with Phil Jackson — it was with your boy, 24 — formerly known as KB. The problem with that team starts with him and ends with him. The reason why I say overrated is because everyone thinks playing with Kobe Bryant was the best thing since sliced bread but it’s not. Out to Miami with the Big Fella, Shaq Diesel, one of the greatest guys I’ve had a chance to play with and meet. Really down to Earth, really cool off the court.”