Shots Fired! Jared Dudley Says Kobe Bryant Keeps Away Top Players From Los Angeles Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers are far from what they were more than 10 years ago. Instead of contending for the title, they are contending for the number one draft pick. This season, it is obvious that the team from Hollywood is tanking and good thing, they got the 2nd draft pick.

Lakers are investing on rookies because they cannot sign top players right now. One reason behind is Kobe Bryant's hefty contract.

While some analyst are pointing to the contract of Kobe Bryant as the reason why Los Angeles Lakers can't land an All-Star player, Jared Dudley of the Milwaukee Bucks believes it is the Black Mamba's attitude that drive other superstars away.

In an interview during an appearance on ESPN Radio Wednesday, transcribed by Jack O'Donnell of SportsGrid.com, the eight-year veteran denounces Kobe's free rein on Lakers' offense.

"When he wants to, the worst thing about it, is he can," Dudley said of Bryant.

"Remember, Kobe gets in this thing where he doesn't pass and then he overpasses and he's trying to get triple doubles ever night, so we know you have it, it's just not something he wants to do, and that's why I think it'll be a while before the Lakers can get good, because no stars -- I mean, (Kevin) Love -- I'll be surprised if Love wanted to go there."

These are some choice of words from Dudley who never really played with Kobe Bryant. He went toe-to-toe with him though while he was still with Phoenix Suns.

Dudley was used by Mike D'Antoni as the designated Kobe Bryant stopper during the times their teams meet in the playoffs from 2007 to 2010.

Right now, Los Angeles Lakers will still be Kobe Bryant's team as the 19-year veteran reiterated he will not retire next season.

Rumors of him hanging his boots after the 2015-16 NBA season surfaced after Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mike Kupchak claimed they had talks and Kobe mentioned his desire to leave the game next season.