Regarding news of Bryant, Jackson wrote of his concern but also: "Kobe can be consumed with surprising anger, which he's displayed toward me and toward his teammates....He rebels against authority." Jackson and Laker management decided to loosen their reins on Bryant, who decided to play the season as normal, but with admittedly no patience for O'Neal's comments to the media.
This situation led Jackson to express his worry about Bryant while also mentioning: "Kobe can be consumed by intense anger, which he has displayed toward me and my teammates....He rebels against authority." The Lakers' management and leadership decided to give Bryant more freedom, allowing him to play the season as usual, but with a noticeable lack of patience for O'Neal's comments to the media.