Barkley did not elaborate on when Kobe decided not to accept the "Inside the NBA" gig. Still, back in 2016, Bryant had already made it clear to TMZ that he had no interest in being part of the show.

Tyrese Haliburton's Achilles tear in the NBA Finals was one of the most disheartening injuries we've seen in the league. For it to happen just a few minutes into a Game 7 right after Haliburton had gotten off to such a fast start -- nine points in the first five minutes -- just added to the already heartbreaking situation.

Bryant ranks fourth in all-time NBA scoring (33,643 points) and his “ Mamba Mentality ” work ethic is still cited as a major influence on current athletes. He spent the first eight years of his career as Lakers teammates with O’Neal, with L.A. winning three NBA titles during that span.